Manage Your Forest
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) provides technical assistance to private landowners. Landowners have many options for managing their forest land, including:
- forest products
- water quality
- protection of threatened and endangered species
- historic resources and wildlife habitat
The VDOF also manages other state lands and maintains seed orchards. Learn more about the Forest Management Program and the State Lands Management Program.
Timber Harvesting and Selling Timber
- Do you think you have valuable trees on your forested property? Get started here if you're thinking about selling them.
Tree Planting, Care and Identification
- How to plant, prune, and care for individual trees in Trees 101.
- Tree Identification - pictures and information about Virginia's forest trees.
- Tree Owner's Manual. Just like the manual that comes with automobiles and appliances, this booklet includes a parts diagram, instructions for installation, tips for troubleshooting, and more.
Forest Stewardship
- Forest Stewardship Plan - Find forms and sample documents to help you decide what you want to do with your forest, and we can help you reach your objectives.
- Managing Your Forest - the best management practices to achieve your goals.
- Services Provided by VDOF and Service Fees
- Riparian Forests - Wooded buffer zones along streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay can be classified as riparian forests.
- Wildlife Management and Identification
- Tax Information - Here you'll find comprehensive resources covering recordkeeping, filing, and estate planning.
Create Maps
Use aerial photography and online software tools, such as our Web-based ForestRIM mapping program, to measure and map your property.
GIS Mapping and Visualization
- Mapping, Visualization, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Create maps of your forested property.
Sawmills and Wood Manufacturing
- Trees have value for timber to make lumber, and for the pulp and paper industries. Many other forest products can create income from your property.
Urban and Community Forestry
- How to plant, prune, and care for individual trees in Trees 101.
- Trees benefit towns and cities through Urban and Community Forestry.
Find a forester or forestry consultant
- Forestry in My County. Learn more about the county where you live.
- Forestry Consultants. Find a forestry consultant in Virginia.
- What is an arborist?

