For most timberland investors, the traditional “patient money” strategy involves waiting 15 to 20 years for the first thinning to see a return. However, by utilizing longleaf pine straw as an alternative income source, landowners can transform a “slow crop” into a high-yield annual asset.

During a recent episode of the National Land Podcast, Land Professional Steve Chapman and Dr. David Dickens from the University of Georgia discussed the potential income timberland owners can generate with pine straw, CRP limits, and more.

Here’s what to know about pine straw harvesting!

What is Pine Straw?

Pine straw is the fresh-fallen needles of a pine tree, and in the Southeastern United States, longleaf pine is the premier species for products like garden mulch due to its exceptionally long needles. While slash and loblolly pines were raked more frequently in the past, longleaf has become the industry favorite for landscaping, golf courses, and commercial mulch. 

Once the needles fall, they are collected, cleaned of debris, and baled, either by hand or through mechanical balers, to be sold at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. This product is highly sought after because it does not attract termites like wood chips or bark mulch, making it a functional and cost-effective option.

Drastic Increases in Per-Acre Yield

Integrating raking can significantly elevate the total financial performance of a tract. While a standard timber investment might yield a total return of around $2,700 per acre over a 30-year lifespan, adding pine straw raking can increase that figure to approximately $4,200 per acre.

One of the primary advantages of pine straw is that it provides liquidity long before the trees are ready for the mill. Raking typically begins as early as age 12 to 15 for longleaf pine, which is the point where the trees reach “canopy closure” and needles begin to accumulate in sufficient quantities. Unlike timber, which is harvested in cycles years apart, pine straw represents an annual income that can be collected for a decade or more before the first thinning.

The value of this harvest is substantial; David Dickens highlighted that on a high-fertility “old field” site, landowners could see anywhere from $250 to $400 an acre per year. As Dickens explained, “You’re making $300,000 potentially before even your first cut of timber” on a 100-acre tract raked over a 10-year period.

Market Resilience

In a volatile market where mill closures and natural disasters can cause timber prices to fluctuate, pine straw offers a vital layer of diversification. Steve Chapman noted that recent mill closures and the impact of Hurricane Helene in Georgia have dropped pulpwood prices in his area significantly, sometimes as low as $2 to $3 a ton, making alternative sources even more critical.

If you’ve got questions about harvesting pine straw on your property, get in touch with Steve or another one of our expert Land Professionals near you today!