Sugar Maple

[Gnight]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me, how much on average, a sugar maple that is 30 feet tall and 14.1 inches in diameter and has a board feet of 132, would be worth.  This is just a school project for forest stewardship.  Thank You very much.

[Ron Scott]

Someone may answer better with your prices there in Pennsylvania, but prices from the Michigan DNR's latest Average Stumpage Price Report for the local NW Michigan area for Sugar Maple:       Average price:$376.83/MBF ($.38/bd.ft.)
High price:  $919.54/MBF ($.92/bd.ft.)
Low price: $117.00/MBF ($.12/bd.ft.)  
The price ranges on tree quality,logging costs, etc. At theses prices your individual tree value on the stump would be $15.84 to $121.44 or $50.16 average price.          

[Ron Wenrich]

Pennsylvania averages range from $375/Mbf to $450/Mbf depending on your area.

At $375 your 132 bf would = $49.50
At $450 your 132 bf would = $59.40

Due to the size of the tree, I would use the lower estimate.  Smaller trees are worth less per foot than larger trees.  Larger trees will yield a higher proportion of high grade lumber than smaller trees.

[Forester Frank]

Real average price from private is $300/MBF with decent grade and average diameter 16".

Many small(under 16") logs being taken, as landowners are cashing in early with the good sugar maple market.

I tell them that they are imposing their own "penalty for early withdrawal", as many trees on private land are being cut too soon.

I find that the larger companies are actually practicing sustainable forestry. Companies such as Georgia-Pacific, Weyerhaeuser, and Sappi.

Good luck with your project.