YOUR TIMBER. YOUR INVESTMENT. YOUR RETURN.

Do I actually need Poplar Swamp Forestry in order to sell my timber?

The raw answer, is no. Any landowner can independently sell his or her timber to a logger without hiring a timber consultant. Poplar Swamp Forestry's professional answer to this question, however, is a resounding, YES! Hiring Poplar Swamp Forestry ensures maximum return on your timber investment and creates a smooth and trustworthy experience for landowners. Check out PSF's Blog for more details.

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Is there a minimum acreage required for Poplar Swamp Forestry to sell my timber?

Poplar Swamp Forestry's typical rule of thumb is 15 acres. There have been times, however, where less than 15 acres have been cut. The actual decision is made based on the tract's proximity to the mill, the timber's available access, and the overall evaluation of the timber to be cut.

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What is the general timeline of my timber investment?

With proper management, Poplar Swamp Forestry recommends thinning a pine tract approximately 18 years after it is planted. Depending on the markets, the residual trees should grow for an additional 10-15 years before the final harvest. PSF helps landowners maximize their return by monitoring mill and market trends to know exactly when to sell.

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Can Poplar Swamp Forestry tell me the value of my timber over the phone?

Poplar Swamp Forestry is typically able to provide a ballpark value over the phone, however, a solid estimate can only be given after a physical evaluation of the timber. Poplar Swamp Forestry would cruise your timber to arrive at its value.

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How much does Poplar Swamp Forestry charge to evaluate my timber?

Poplar Swamp Forestry does not charge for the initial walk-through. If a landowner requests that PSF cruise the timber for evaluation, a fee is charged. If a landowner uses PSF to handle the timber sale, the timber cruise is part of the timber sale service, and a fee is not charged for the cruise. 

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When will I get paid for my timber?

There are two ways that landowners are paid for their timber. Poplar Swamp Forestry can sell the timber "lump sum" or "per unit". If the landowner opts for a  "lump sum" timber sale, the landowner will be paid upfront for the total value of the timber. If a landowner opts for a "per unit" sale, the landowner collects a payment for each load of wood as it is harvested. Payments are made weekly and are itemized to show the values earned for each timber product: pine or hardwood pulp wood, saw timber, chip-n-saw, poles, and chips.

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What is the typical length of a timber contract?

The standard length of a timber contract is two years. On occasion, Poplar Swamp Forestry has arranged for longer or shorter contract lengths depending on the size of the tract and the evaluation of the timber.

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How does Poplar Swamp Forestry implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s)?

Best Management Practices are timber harvesting standards that are set forth by both the Virginia Forestry Department and the North Carolina Forest Service. The primary goal of each is to deal with soil erosion and water quality. Poplar Swamp Forestry believes in and is committed to these BMPs. During every logging job, PSF makes multiple visits to the logging site to ensure BMP’s are being maintained throughout the timber harvest.

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Who is responsible for marking property lines?

Poplar Swamp Forestry's timber sale services include researching deeds and plats at the local courthouse and marking all property lines. On rare occasion, a property line can not be determined, and a surveyor must be hired to find and mark the line. Poplar Swamp Forestry works with the landowner and surveyor to get this done. The surveyor's costs are the landowner's responsibility. 

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What is my liability concerning the logging of my property?

Poplar Swamp Forestry only works with loggers who have their own general liability insurance policy. Therefore, the logger's insurance policy covers the landowner from any liability arising from the harvest operation. 

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​​Does Poplar Swamp Forestry purchase land?

No, Poplar Swamp Forestry does not purchase land. PSF can, however, assist you with selling your land to assure fair market timber and open land value.

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