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If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this: If someone offers to buy your timber trees, consult a forester! Even if you contact a logger to assess the selling or removal of trees from your property, speak with a forester first.

There are many misconceptions about the value of trees. Some people believe a tree can be worth thousands of dollars, while others think it has no value. In reality, the value is likely somewhere in between. As someone who has worked in the natural resource field for over 20 years, I cannot accurately determine the monetary value of your trees. However, there are professionals who can: foresters and loggers.

It’s important to understand that these two professions are not the same. A forester helps you plan and manage your timber resources, guiding forest management. In contrast, a logger is responsible for harvesting trees from the land and selling them to log buyers or sawmills. Both roles are essential for effective forest management.

When a logger makes you an offer for the trees on your property, you should treat it just like selling your car. You wouldn’t simply accept someone knocking on your door and offering you $1,000 for your vehicle without questioning their motives or the fairness of the price. You will likely do some research to determine if the offer is reasonable. You might also ask yourself: “Do I really want to sell? Is the condition good? Is now the right time? Will the value increase or decrease in the coming years?”

Selling timber should be no different. If a logger offers to buy your trees, keep in mind that they have more expertise in this area. To ensure you make an informed decision, consult a forester. A forester can help you determine whether to sell your trees now or wait for them to mature and can assist with replanting plans. They can also connect you with reputable timber buyers or bidders who can help you evaluate whether the offer you’ve received is fair. Without proper guidance, some loggers may take advantage of your lack of knowledge, potentially lowering your profits for their benefit. Since the derecho in 2020, numerous ongoing legal cases in Marshall and neighboring counties between logger and landowners are a reminder that it pays to heed caution.

Not all loggers operate this way, but there are some warning signs to watch for. Be cautious if they use high-pressure tactics to push you into making an immediate decision, claiming they will only be in the area temporarily. Additionally, if the logger’s contract is vague and states that extra income from the timber sale will be determined later, this is a red flag. It is also concerning if the logger puts the logs out for bid — a positive step — but does not share the bid results with you afterward. These factors could result in you receiving only a fraction of the potential income from the timber sale.

A personal example involves a family member who received an offer from a logger to purchase and harvest walnut trees from their farm for $3,000. However, he needed to make a decision quickly, as the logger was moving to another area of the state. After some hesitation on the landowner’s part, the offer increased to $7,000. Ultimately, the family member decided to consult a forester, and they opted to put the tree sale out to bid. The highest bid returned was $33,000.

While this may seem uncommon, it unfortunately occurs more frequently than we would like. The best way to protect yourself is through education. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Foresters are an excellent resource. The Iowa DNR Forestry website and the “Call Before You Cut Iowa” website provide valuable information specifically related to timber sales. These resources are excellent starting points to ensure you get a fair deal, determine if the timing is right, and protect your land for future benefits.

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Emily Herring is the director of the

Marshall County Conservation Board.