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How We Sell Timber

The Southeast Forestlands timber sale process, step by step. Same process whether the tract is in Mississippi or Alabama, whether it's a first thinning or a final harvest.

1. Walk the tract

On-site visit with the landowner. We look at the stand, the access, the boundaries, and the markets in the area. Nothing is committed at this stage.

2. Cruise the timber

A field cruise sized to the tract — sample plots, product call (pulpwood, chip-n-saw, sawtimber, pole, hardwood grade), and any condition factors (storm damage, beetle, mortality, access).

3. Prepare the sale package

Mapped sale area, volumes by product, terms of sale, seller-protective contract template, and a list of qualified buyers to invite.

4. Invite qualified buyers

Only buyers we know — pay, perform, and operate cleanly. The bid window is typically 2–4 weeks. Every bidder works from the same package, on the same terms.

5. Open sealed bids

Bids opened with the landowner. The spread between high and low bid is shown in full — that spread is the practical case for competitive bidding.

6. Help the landowner choose

Not always the highest number. Contract terms, bonding, references, and harvest plan matter. See why the highest bid isn't always the right one.

7. Seller-protective contract

Defined sale area, defined product, defined haul road and decking locations, BMP and SMZ requirements, performance bond or deposit, dispute language, and a holdback against post-harvest cleanup.

8. Oversee the harvest

On-the-ground oversight during the cut. We monitor BMP compliance, boundary lines, decking, and product separation. The landowner has someone on the deck — not just the buyer.

9. Closeout and final inspection

Final walk with the landowner, BMP signoff, holdback release on a clean exit, and reconciliation against scale tickets.

Common Questions

Landowner FAQ

Talk to a Forester

Independent representation. Transparent results.

MS / AL Registered Forester #2175

Whether you have ten acres or ten thousand, our team works for the landowner — never the mill. Based in Meridian, MS and serving timberland across Mississippi and western Alabama.