Harvesting and Selling Timber from Conifer Forests
Ireland has a vibrant forestry sector and demand for timber is forecast to increase significantly in the coming years. Many farm forests are now at a stage where conifer timber harvesting can commence. Owners can generate income from their trees through thinning and clearfell operations.
It is important that you understand how best to initiate harvesting operations. Teagasc encourages owners to take an active interest in learning about their forests and become more familiar with the key steps involved in timber harvesting. There is a wide range of advisory and support services available to help you.
In this section, you will find key information on the timber harvesting process following six sequential steps:
- Step 1 Seek Advice and Training
- Step 2 Know your Forest
- Step 3 Plan your Timber Sale
- Step 4 Prepare for Harvesting Operations
- Step 5 Agree a Timber Sales Contract
- Step 6 Control your Harvest and Sale
This section aims to take some of the mystery out of harvesting and selling timber, enabling you to maintain control of your valuable forest resource throughout the process and where to get further information and professional assistance along the way.
The start of harvesting operations is a time of opportunity, allowing you to further optimise the growth of your forest, maximise its potential timber yield, provide a source of income and meet a range of non-timber objectives.
Please note that this section focuses on the harvesting and sale of coniferous trees.
Relevant publications