How to Know When Your Timber Is Ready to Harvest
Smart Logging in NWA —
Is Your Timber Ready?
If you own wooded land in Northwest Arkansas, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is simple: “Is my timber ready to harvest?” Cutting too early can cost you thousands. Waiting too long can mean losing mature, high‑value trees to storms, rot, insects, or overcrowding. This guide breaks down the exact signs landowners should look for — in clear, simple terms — so you can make the right decision for your land.
Signs Your Timber’s Ready
1. Tree Size & Maturity (DBH Matters)
The first indicator is Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) — measured 4.5 feet off the ground.
Most hardwoods are ready to harvest when they reach:
- 18"+ DBH for high‑value white oak and walnut
- 16"–18" DBH for red oak, ash, and hickory
- 12"–14" DBH for pulpwood or low‑grade material
Bigger isn’t always better — most species hit peak value at maturity, then decline in quality if left too long.
2. Are Your Trees Showing Full Crowns?
A healthy mature tree has a wide, open crown with strong branch structure. When crowns begin to thin or flatten, the tree is no longer putting energy into growth — it’s at full maturity and ready for harvest.
3. Overcrowding in the Canopy
If your woods look dark or crowded, it may be time.
Signs of overcrowding:
- Trees growing tall and skinny
- Little sunlight on the forest floor
- Trees leaning toward light gaps
- Small, narrow crowns
Overcrowding reduces growth and increases competition for nutrients. A thinning harvest can boost long‑term value by helping the best trees thrive.
4. Evidence of Disease or Decline
Trees can lose value quickly once disease sets in. Watch for:
- Bark separation
- Mushrooms or fungus at the base
- Dead limbs (dieback)
- Soft or spongy wood
- Hollow or rotten centers
Catching decline early can save part of a tree’s usable value.
6. Market Timing
Northwest Arkansas is currently in a strong hardwood market, especially for:
- White oak (stave markets)
- Walnut
- Red oak
If your timber is mature and the market is high, it’s often the perfect time to sell.
7. Regeneration & Long‑Term Land Goals
Many landowners harvest when:
- They want to encourage new growth
- They’re preparing land for sale, farming, or development
- They want to remove poor‑quality trees and promote valuable species
A good harvest improves both current and future value.
The Easiest Way to Know for Sure? A Professional Timber Evaluation.
Every tract is different. The best way to determine readiness is to walk the land with an expert who can measure, grade, and estimate value.
At Long Valley Timber, we harvest and mill our own timber — meaning you get the highest payout in Northwest Arkansas with no middlemen.
Let’s Walk Your Land —
Want to Know If Your Timber Is Ready?
Call today or submit the form on our website to schedule a free timber evaluation.