North Carolina Timber Prices Show Regional Split in Q2

Analysis by North Carolina State University reveals that standing timber prices in North Carolina during Q2 varied significantly by region and product type.

In western North Carolina, the market has generally trended upward since 2024Q2. Sawtimber categories, particularly mixed hardwood and oak, posted substantial price increases of 50% and 18%, respectively. Pine sawtimber and pine pulpwood also rose by 24% and 12%, respectively. Only pine ply logs and hardwood pulpwood saw marginal year-over-year declines.

Eastern North Carolina, by contrast, showed weaker performance. While oak sawtimber remained strong—rising 37% from 2024Q2—and pine ply logs edged up 2%, all other major products declined. Prices for pine pulpwood (-3%), pine chip-n-saw (-10%), pine sawtimber (-8%), hardwood pulpwood (-22%), and mixed hardwood sawtimber (-2%) all moved lower.

Across both regions, sawtimber (especially oak) consistently saw higher prices and showed stronger growth. Pulpwood categories were more volatile and, in several Eastern North Carolina instances, declined.

The report emphasized that timber prices vary widely based on location, species, product type, accessibility, and proximity to mills. As such, general reports may not precisely reflect the standing timber values for a specific stand of trees or within a particular region of the state.