Strong Maple and Ash Prices Define Q3 Timber Trends

Lake States timber pricing for sawlogs was dominated by the strength of maple —particularly sugar maple. Average maple prices reported to Forest Data Network were up almost $100 per mbf in Wisconsin from the prior year.

Maple prices were also up, but to a lesser extent, in Michigan.

Meanwhile, ash prices were also strong in the Lake States, perhaps reflecting scarce conditions years after forests had been widely impacted by emerald ash borer disease (EAB). Forest Data Network ash sawlog index prices were near a 5-year high and up 17% from 2024.

Massive data views of local hardwood prices by Lake States region and species can be found on the Forest Data Network Prime database. Information is available here (link to forestdatanetwork.com/prime)

Another species that was a positive outlier in the quarter was birch, with several sales at an average price over $400/mbf in Wisconsin. Foresters have reported decreasing availability.

Michigan sawlog prices other than maple were stable. Cordwood prices in the state were affected by salvage work as the state recovers from a massive late March ice storm.

Minnesota’s oak market also reflected good strength in the third quarter, with a 22% increase in average oak sawlog prices across the state.

FDN has received no reports of black walnut activity in 2025. If you’ve had a harvest transaction, we would like to hear about it (on a confidential basis, of course). Contact is easy at info@forestdatanetwork.com.