Turn Your Woods into a Financial Investment

Making sure your woods are healthy and taking care of your land can become costly. Implementing various forest management practices, understanding forest tax policy, and protecting your investment takes time and money. Learn about the resources available to help you secure financial assistance, evaluate management alternatives, plan for taxes, protect your land from timber theft and arson, and prepare for future generations to continue your legacy. 


How do I know how much my commercial trees are worth?

A professional forester can conduct an inventory and appraisal of your trees. Texas A&M Forest Service produces a timber price trends report that shows average prices based on log volume/weight by species product class (e.g., pine sawtimber and hardwood pulpwood).

What financial assistance programs are available to me?

There are several financial assistance programs that are available to private landowners. Eligibility can sometimes depend on the land’s geography, the owner's management goals, and wildlife habitat improvement. Please contact your local forester for more information on the different programs in your area.

How is forestland taxed?

Property tax policy can vary by state, though in Texas, forestland is taxed on its current use (not market value), based on productivity. There are tax provisions that apply to landowners who take good care of their woods.

How can landowners qualify for special tax valuations and incentives from owning land?

Landowners who have a land management plan, properly maintain their woods, and practice good stewardship are eligible. A professional forester and accountant familiar with forest taxation can provide assistance.

Why would someone want to harvest their trees?

Timber harvests are often scheduled after a forester has determined that the area needs to be thinned to reduce overcrowding and improve productivity, for salvage following a natural disaster, or regenerated (started over) due to the age and/or condition of the existing trees.