As 2025 draws to a close, so do the year's timber markets. In North Carolina, an analysis of quarterly standing timber price data reveals a stark contrast between the Eastern and Western regional markets.

High-Quality Hardwood and Sawtimber

Western North Carolina timber markets demonstrated greater price stability for oak and mixed hardwood sawtimber from quarter to quarter, consistently outperforming hardwood markets in the East.

• Oak Sawtimber: Prices in the West averaged $7/ton more than in the East.
• Mixed Hardwood Sawtimber: Followed a similar trend, averaging $5/ton more than Eastern prices.
• Pine Sawtimber: Prices remained relatively consistent across the state, averaging approximately $31/ton in the West and $30/ton in the East.

Low-Value Wood and Pulpwood

While Western North Carolina saw higher prices for hardwood sawtimber, the same did not hold true for low-quality timber. By year-end, the West suffered a sharp downturn in low-value wood; pine and hardwood pulpwood prices dropped by 44% and 36%, respectively, between the first and fourth quarters.

In contrast, Eastern North Carolina dominated the low-value markets, with pulpwood prices experiencing significant gains in the fourth quarter. In the East, pine pulpwood rose by approximately $6/ton (53%) and hardwood pulpwood increased by $3/ton (51%) compared to Q1 prices. On an annual average, pine and hardwood pulpwood prices in the East were roughly 26% and 14% higher, respectively, than those in the West.

Overall Conclusion

Markets in Western North Carolina were more favorable for landowners selling higher-quality hardwood timber. Conversely, Eastern North Carolina markets were better suited for landowners focused on moving low-quality timber, such as pine pulpwood.

Are you looking for timber prices?

For  information on the fourth quarter 2025 state-wide average standing timber prices in North Carolina, please refer to the fourth quarter price report. It is important to note that timber prices can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including location, species, product type, accessibility, and distance to processing mills. Consequently, timber prices presented in general reports may not precisely reflect the standing timber values for a specific stand of trees or within a particular region of the state. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that stakeholders seek professional assistance for an accurate valuation of standing timber assets. For more information and resources on selling timber visit the NC State Extension Forestry Timber Sales web page.