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Welcome to the Virginia Department Of Forestry

Special Forest Products:
Wood Products From Your Land Without Selling Trees

If you have trees on your land, you can make money from your woods without selling all your trees. Your woodlot has resources such as firewood, plants, and holiday greenery that you can sell. You can also create a financial income by selling hunting rights on your land. Here are some ways to make money from your property:

Firewood

After logging, there may be wood left on the ground that can be cut for firewood. Crooked trees also make great firewood. Save some trees with nests and hollows for wildlife. Know how to safely use chainsaws and protect your eyes and hearing. You should hire a lawyer or a forestry consultant to write a contract if you are going to let others cut firewood on your land.

Charcoal

Charcoal, which burns hot and creates a flavorful smoke, is a popular heat source for grilling food. Use hardwoods only. Many resources are available online to teach you how to make charcoal. Using your favorite search engine, type in "how to make charcoal" or "making charcoal" to learn more about it.

Mushrooms

A popular variety of mushroom called shiitake (pronounced "sha-tock-ee") can be grown on oak logs. Read the Fact Sheet (English; PDF format) to learn more.

Pine straw

Gardeners and landscapers buy pine straw that is clean (no cones or other leaves). Longleaf pine needles are preferred, but other types of pine needles may also be desirable. Rake and bundle the pine straw yourself, or rent your land to someone else for raking. You should hire a lawyer or a forestry consultant to write a contract if you are going to let others rake pine straw.

Craft materials and decorations

Grapevine is used for baskets and wreaths. Pine garlands, pinecones, holly berries and leaves, running cedar and mistletoe are used for holiday decorations. Dried flowers or seedpods are used for crafts. Visit Planting White Pine for Tipping to learn more about growing holiday greenery.

Plants

Plants can be used in gardens and yards. You can dig up and sell bamboo, ferns, small dogwood or oak trees, and flowering shrubs. Be sure to keep the plants alive and healthy. Ask your Cooperative Extension agent about plants that are protected and regulated by law.

Food

Pick and preserve berries, fruits, and nuts to sell. Learn which plants can be eaten, and process them so that they are safe to eat.

Charge for hunting on your land

Hunters may be willing to pay you to hunt in your woodland. You decide who can hunt, and when. Learn more about leasing land for hunting.

Get paid to protect or improve your woodland

Conservation Incentive Programs provide you with cost share payments from the state or federal government to help pay for environmental improvements, such as increasing wildlife habitat. A conservation easement can give you a tax break if you agree not to develop your land.

Places to sell forest products

An agricultural agent at your local Cooperative Extension Center or county forester can help.

Additional information resources

Last modified: Friday, 07-Mar-2008 10:18:42 EST