NH Timber Prices Winter 2023-2024
The markets for hardwood logs remain extremely strong which has resulted in above average prices. Markets for softwood logs are mixed. Pine continues to drop from historical highs while spruce/fir remain steady. Below is a summary of the various wood products found in the regional markets of NH & VT.
Hardwood Logs:
Prices vary according to species and markets.
Oak: The market for oak sawlogs and veneer remain steady and relatively strong. The key to getting the best prices is to make sure your logs are sorted for their highest value and shipped to the best paying market. Standing timber prices range from $ 350 – 550 p/mbf for woods run oak including veneer.
Red Maple: Demand is steady and delivered prices remain about the same they were a year ago. The lumber markets for this species are driven by domestic demand. Standing timber prices range from between $175 - $ 250 depending on what market your logs are sent to.
Sugar Maple: Prices for sugar maple sawlogs and veneer are strong. Standing timber prices range from $ 400-600 p/mbf. for woods run sugar maple with veneer included. Prices are dictated by quality, size and percent of veneer found within the stand.
Yellow Birch: Prices have remained flat. If you have a forestry company like Stillwater Forestry LLC working on your behalf, proper sorting and marketing will tend to generate higher pricing on this species. Standing timber prices range from $ 150 -300, depending on quality, size, % of veneer and what market the logs are shipped to.
Ash: Prices are strictly driven by what the purchaser is doing with the logs. Currently the export market for Ash logs is the strongest we have ever seen. Domestic buyer of ash logs are strong as well.. but the export market is currently driving prices. Standing timber prices range from $ 450 -$ 700 depending on size, quality and proximity to market.
Mat/Tie Logs: Steady demand and strong pricing. This market allows us to turn lower grade logs ,that would have formerly gone into pulp, into a higher value product. Prices range from $ 125-200 p/mbf.
Oak & Sugar Maple Pallet: Demand is flat. Standing timber prices range from between $ 40- $ 60 p/mbf
Softwood Logs:
Spruce: A weaker housing market, has resulted in flat pricing fro spruce/fir logs. Standing timber prices range from $ 130- $ 160 p/mbf. depending on where the woodlot is located
White Pine: Prices are falling. The epic high prices of the last three years have gone away. This hangover sets in. However, demand is steady. Standing timber prices range from $ 175 – $ 200 depending on quality and proximity to mill.
Hemlock: Prices are flat. Demand is steady. Standing timber prices range from $ 40- $60 p/mbf
Hardwood Pulp: Markets are wide open with no delivery quotas in sight. Prices remain steady. Expect anywhere from $ 2 – 4 p/ton depending on your location.
Softwood Pulp: Demand remains strong but prices remain soft. Standing timber prices range from $ 1-3 p/ton depending on location.
Biomas Chips: The biomass chip market continues to barely exist. Only two working biomass plants– who regularly pay their suppliers- exist within the state. The larger of the two - Burgess Power - is located up in the far northern part of NH. Unfortunately the distance makes it impractical to truck biomass chips up there from anywhere south of Concord, NH. Any lands we manage south of Concord we have accepted the fact that biomass chipping is not an option. Stumpage prices range from $0 -2 p/ton. Any money you receive for biomass chips will be directly tied to how close your property is to the plant.
