Forestry Services for Private Landowners
"Start to Finish" Timber Sale Management
Sims Forestry Services can handle all aspects of a timber sale from initial assessment through harvest completion. We provide weekly monitoring of all activities on your property to ensure quality control and adherence to best management practices. With over 35 years of experience, we ensure you receive maximum value for your timber.
Complete Timber Sale Services Include:
- Professional timber marking and cruising
- Accurate volume and value estimates
- Writing Notice of Timber Sale and Timber Sale Contracts
- Notifying potential bidders and conducting property showings
- Managing sealed bid timber sales for maximum returns
- Continuous monitoring of logging operations
- Courthouse research and boundary line location as needed
- Planning and layout of log roads and skid trails
Timber Taxation Services
While not included in our standard timber sale package, we offer comprehensive timber taxation services to help minimize your tax obligations after a timber sale. This specialized service requires additional cruising with growth information to determine timber volumes at the time of purchase or inheritance.
Tax Preparation Services Include:
- Determining timber basis at time of acquisition
- Calculating timber depletion units
- Computing actual timber depletion from sales
- Providing all necessary documentation for tax filing
- Growth calculations and volume assessments
Additional Forestry Services
Beyond timber sales, we provide a comprehensive range of forestry consulting services to help you manage your woodland property effectively. Contact us to learn which services are right for your property.
Management Planning
- Comprehensive forest management plans
- Forest Stewardship plans
- Wildlife habitat improvement recommendations
- Best management practices implementation
Assessment Services
- Timber trespass damage estimates
- Insect and disease damage evaluation
- Storm damage assessment
- Property valuation for forestland
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a timber sale cost?
Our fee is typically a percentage of the gross timber sale proceeds, usually between 10-15% depending on the complexity and size of the sale. This means we only get paid when you do, ensuring our interests are aligned with maximizing your returns. We provide a detailed fee structure during your initial consultation.
How long does a timber sale take from start to finish?
A typical timber sale takes 3-6 months from initial assessment to final harvest completion. This includes marking and cruising (2-4 weeks), bidding process (4-6 weeks), and logging operations (1-3 months). The timeline can vary based on property size, market conditions, and weather.
When is the best time to sell timber?
The best time depends on several factors including timber maturity, market conditions, and your financial goals. Generally, late fall through early spring is optimal for logging operations due to ground conditions. However, we can assess your property year-round and time the sale to maximize value.
Do I need a forest management plan?
While not always required, a forest management plan is highly beneficial for landowners interested in long-term forest stewardship. It's required for certain tax benefits, cost-share programs, and conservation easements. Plans typically cost $3-5 per acre and provide a 10-year roadmap for managing your woodland.
How do you determine the value of my timber?
We conduct a professional timber cruise, systematically sampling your forest to measure tree species, sizes, and quality. This data is combined with current market prices and local mill demand to provide accurate volume and value estimates. We use our proprietary CRUISE software for precise calculations.
What areas do you serve?
We serve landowners throughout Virginia from our Staunton office. This includes Central Virginia (Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg), the Shenandoah Valley (Augusta, Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah Counties), Southwest Virginia (Roanoke, Blacksburg area), and Northern Virginia. We regularly work in Highland, Bath, Allegheny, Craig, Albemarle, Nelson, and surrounding counties.
Can you help with timber taxation issues?
Yes, we provide comprehensive timber taxation services including determining timber basis, calculating depletion units, and preparing documentation for tax filing. This specialized service requires additional cruising to establish timber volumes at the time of purchase or inheritance. Proper tax planning can significantly reduce your tax burden from timber sales.
How do you ensure I get the best price for my timber?
We use a competitive sealed bid process, marketing your timber to multiple qualified buyers. We provide detailed timber specifications, conduct property tours for potential buyers, and set clear harvest standards. With over 35 years of experience and extensive industry relationships, we ensure you receive fair market value.
Get a Professional Assessment
Every property is unique. Contact us for a personalized consultation and learn how we can help you achieve your forestry goals.
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