FAQs
How much land do I need to hire SouthLand?
We assist large and small landowners alike. It very much depends on the condition of the acreage and the location of the ownership. But generally speaking, tracts much below 40 acres will need to be pretty close to our office. We’ll take a look for free if you’re unsure.
How do you decide what thinning contractors to use?
Good thinners are few and far between. We have a short list that we work with closely. The cutter operator on a thinning crew has to be constantly thinking into the future on the landowners behalf. If done correctly, they’re selecting the biggest and best examples within a stand to leave. Unfortunately for landowners, unsupervised thinning crews will likely take those biggest and best trees to the mill instead of leaving them for the landowner… and landowners usually never know the difference.
Is it expensive to hire this type of expertise?
Not to be cliche, but we’ve found that it’s costly to choose not to hire this kind of expertise. Our fees are almost always earned back from our involvement. Said another way, every dollar we are paid typically puts more dollars in your pocket. We can show you lots of examples.
So and so is a forester, so can’t I just use them?
So and so may or may not be a forester, no matter what they say. Ask them to produce credentials. If they are a forester, which requires a license in Mississippi, they’ll be able to produce their Registered Forester Licence. It’s against the law for a non-registered “forester” to accept payment for forestry representation or advice of any kind. But even if they are licensed, ask one more question. “Do you or your business ever buy wood from anyone?” If they do, recognize the conflict of interest. The only way to increase their profit is to decrease yours.
Do you provide technical services as well?
Our team provides top shelf technical services such as timber cruises and appraisals, prescribed fires, herbicide applications, site prep and planting services, and more. Ask us. We’ll tell you if we can help. And we’ll tell you if we can’t.
Can you help me invest in timberland?
We sure can. We’re licensed in real estate brokerage and very much enjoy representing buyers. Like all our clients, you’ll provide the direction that would satisfy your needs and priorities and we’ll get to work on your behalf. We’ll ask lots of questions before we get started… we’ll provide market understanding so you can feel confident in your knowledge… and we’ll negotiate and facilitate the purchase on your behalf. We really will do our best to help you invest in a way that makes you comfortable in your investment. We’ll help you invest in a property you’ll enjoy.