What it is
If you own woods, you may have timber worth money, and selling it is a big decision you may only make once or twice.
A consulting forester works for you, not the buyer. They can mark and measure the timber, write a management plan, run the sale (often by sealed bids), and check the logging job. Loggers and timber buyers cut and buy the wood.
Many state forestry agencies have service foresters who can visit and give advice. Check your state forestry agency's website.
Typical costs
National ranges from published cost guides. Your price depends on your land, your area, and the job. These are not quotes.
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting forester commission on a timber sale (Mississippi State Extension) | 10% – 15% of the sale | MSU Extension |
| Consulting forester commission (Washington State University Extension) | 5% – 7% of the sale | WSU Extension |
| Average commission in a Southern survey: thinnings / final harvest | 9.5% / 8.4% | Forest Science (journal) |
Sources checked October 2026. Get at least two or three written quotes.
Questions to ask a contractor
- Do you work for me (the landowner) or for a timber buyer?
- How are you paid: a percentage of the sale, by the hour, or a flat fee?
- Will you sell by sealed bid to several buyers?
- Will there be a written timber sale contract? What does it say about roads, streams, and cleanup?
- Will you check on the logging while it happens?
- Can you write a forest management plan? Does it help with cost-share or tax programs?
FAQ
Why hire a forester before selling timber?
A forester works for you, knows what your timber is worth, and can get several buyers to bid. They also write the contract terms that protect your land.
How many family forest owners are there?
The US Forest Service's National Woodland Owner Survey estimates about 11 million family forest ownerships. See the Family Forest Research Center.
Can I clear land and sell the timber at the same time?
Often, yes. Selling the timber first can lower your clearing bill. Talk to a forester before the clearing crew comes.