I’ve been working in the land and timber business in Alabama since 1992. Over the years, I’ve seen the timber market rise and fall. For the past two decades, Alabama’s timber markets were depressed with only a few cyclical upswings. Mill closures lowered demand and kept stumpage prices low. My experience as both a Registered Forester and a Land Realtor allows me to guide landowners and buyers through these cycles, ensuring smart decisions about their property and timber assets.
In the last few years, more than $1.5 billion has been invested or committed to new mills and major upgrades across Alabama. These are state-of-the-art facilities with advanced technology designed to increase efficiency, lower costs, and boost production.
Companies are investing heavily because Alabama is one of the strongest places in the nation to do business in forest products. These upgrades position the mills to meet growing global demand for high-quality pulp and lumber products—the raw materials that feed everything from construction to packaging to hygiene markets. According to Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, “With these cutting-edge upgrades, the (Georgia Pacific) Alabama River Cellulose facility will become the most technologically advanced softwood pulp mill in the nation.”
Timber begins its journey on your land when a forester evaluates each tract for tree size, volume, species, and quality to determine market value. Once a timber sale is arranged, which involves negotiating price, volume, and harvest schedule with a qualified timber buyer, logging crews harvest the trees and haul them to a mill. At the mill, the trees are processed into a variety of products that reach markets across the state and around the world.
Lumber is solid wood cut into boards and timbers for construction, framing, beams, flooring, decking, and furniture. Pulp is wood fiber processed into paper, cardboard, packaging materials, and hygiene products such as tissues and diapers. A major specialty product is fluff pulp, a soft, absorbent fiber primarily used in hygiene products like diapers, wipes, and feminine care items. OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is an engineered wood product made from compressed layers of wood strands and adhesives, commonly used for wall sheathing, roof decking, subflooring, and other structural applications. Together, these products show the wide range of markets your timber can supply—from building homes to producing packaging to everyday personal goods.
Major Mill Expansions & Openings in Alabama
Kronospan · Oxford · Calhoun Co · $350M OSB Expansion · OSB Panels · Made In Alabama
Two Rivers Lumber · Kellyton · Coosa Co · $115M New Sawmill · Dimensional Lumber · Made In Alabama
Jasper Lumber · Jasper · Walker Co · $135M Modernization · Southern Yellow Pine Lumber · Made In Alabama
Georgia-Pacific|Alabama River Cellulose · Perdue Hill · $800M Expansion · Monroe Co · Softwood Pulp · PR Newswire
International Paper|Riverdale Mill · Selma · Dallas Co · $200-250M · Renovation Hardwood & Softwood Pulp · PR Newswire
For landowners and buyers, this is positive news affirming the long-term commitment to the Alabama forest industry. Properly managed timberland can generate steady income from thinnings and harvests while still being used for recreation and a long-term investment. This can give landowners and land buyers confidence to schedule selective harvests, knowing reliable markets are available.
Income Potential · Managed correctly, timber provides regular income from thinnings and harvests.
Dual Purpose · Land isn’t just an investment—it’s also a place for hunting, recreation, and legacy ownership.
Enhanced Value · Stable markets can increase land value and marketability.
With more than thirty years in Alabama’s land and timber business, I’ve worked with landowners and buyers through many market cycles. As a Registered Forester, I understand how to evaluate timber and design harvest plans that make the most of your land. As a Land Realtor, I know how to present property to the right audience, structure deals that account for both land and timber value, and help clients avoid common pitfalls. If you’re considering selling or buying, I’d be glad to share my experience and walk you through the process. You can reach me at 205-837-4466.
Eddie Stone, Associate Broker
Great Southern Land, LLC.
Alabama Registered Forest #1727