Welcome to Rhodes Forestry, LLC
Get More Value Out Of Your Timber
When you hire us to mark your timber, your timber sale will be sent to 20-40 different potential buyers in your area who are insured and trustworthy. Through our competitive bidding process, we can guarantee you will receive top price for your timber. You are also protected with our contract that will hold the buyer responsible for post logging trail repair.
More Than "Just a Timber Sale"
When it comes to selling your timber, keep in mind there are more options than to cut everything. For those looking into the long term, (over 10 years) managing your forest properly will increase forest health, growth, durability and your bank account. The only way to do this is by hiring the right company to reduce the number of high risk, low grade trees and ensure growth is concentrated on quality stems. This usually can be done on a commercial basis and is the first step to improve your woodlot.
Timber Sales
There are a few things to think about when considering a timber sale. What are your goals?
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Management harvest - This cut is purely intended to reduce competition within your woodlot and concentrate growth on quality trees. Most trees taken out have major defects, hollow bases, broken tops, weak forks, low quality or architecturally compromised. This harvest pays massive dividends for future generations and timber harvests typically repeat every 10-15 years. This is the only harvest that will allow trees to be taken out at their "peak potential."
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Hard cut/clearcut - May be right for whitetail enthusiasts who solely want to create primary bedding areas. This cut will provide whitetails with security and plenty of browse when deer really need it- January to April. Grouse, woodcock, and rabbits will also benefit from this type of habitat. Keep in mind if any number of invasives such as buckthorn, honeysuckle or multiflora rose are nearby, these species will likely take over.
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Keep in mind, the harder the cut is, the more susceptible your woodlot is for ice storm damage, windstorm damage, beech brush take-over, tree dieback (especially sugar maple), sun scald, invasive plant regeneration and insect damage.
Buy/List Your Land & Country Homes
Michael Rhodes - Real Estate Agent for Keller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes
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Attention to detail
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Descriptive
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Knowledgeable
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Reachable
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Michael Rhodes at Keller Williams Southern Tier & Finger Lakes (kw.com)
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Please email me for more info.
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Woods Trails Repair
The JD 650H bulldozer repairs ruts and removes debris from trails with ease. Our 650H model comes equipped with a wide track and 'floats' much better than other machines. Resulting in efficient and better jobs.
Boundary Line Maintenance
Maintaining boundary line evidence is crucial for every landowner and one of the most overlooked aspects of land ownership. It's important that you, your neighbors and anyone working on the property knows where the line is. We offer boundary line flagging, painting, and posting.
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480a Tax Savings Plan
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Must have a minimum of 50 acres of wooded land or growing up into woodland.
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Cannot have a harsh timber sale 3 years prior to enrollment.
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Must have at least 500 seedlings/acre. (For enrolling brushland)
Do You Qualify?
Is 480a For You?
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You may be required to perform timber stand improvement (TSI). This work can vary from cutting grape vines all the way to cutting large poles (less than 12" dbh)
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You do not control when timber sales are conducted
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Must maintain your boundary lines
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This plan is geared to grow quality trees and board feet, and not for improving wildlife habitat. Although wildlife habitat may improve with the nature of 480a, it is not the objective.
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Cannot build structures, ponds or food plots (You can plan ahead of time and leave those areas out of the plan).
What Is The Benefit?
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Save 80% on taxes for the areas enrolled.
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Clear 15 year work plan
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Can benefit multiple owner properties especially when no one can agree.
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Protects the land. 480a prevents anyone from hacking the property into small pieces and striping the timber.
What Are The Costs?
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Initial plan costs are approximately $1,500 or $15/acre. Costs vary with forest type variability. Every 5 years, you will need an update. If no changes have been made, there is only a small filing fee. If any cutting has been completed, the area will need to be recruised.
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Boundary line maintenance - varies with evidence and size of property but you can expect approximately $900 initially then $450 for upkeep if hired out.
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6% additional tax from each timber sale.
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Timber stand improvement (TSI)- This will vary with every property. Some properties can receive all TSI needs through timber sales. Costs could be $250 per acre if hired out and needed. Although possible, it is rare that every stand in your woodlot needs TSI.
480a Commitment
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480a is a 'forever' plan. However, if you decide to disenroll then you must still follow the plan for 10 years and without saving 80% on taxes. At the end of the 10 years, your property is free from 480a.
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You can get out of the plan and its obligations immediately if you wish to pay a massive fine.
Pond Building
Ponds are essential for recreational properties. Set them up for wildlife, fishing, amphibians, swimming or just to add to the landscape.
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Prices will vary on topography and size. An estimate will be given but will work on an hourly rate plus travel and equipment move.
Timber Appraisal
The best way for those looking to get a professional timber volume and value for their property is to get their timber appraised. A landowner should have an appraisal done whenever there is a shift in ownership - buying land and selling land.
When looking to sell land, having an appraisal done can help ensure your land is not sold for less than the timber is worth. Keep in mind, 100% of the appraised value cannot be added onto property value.
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When purchasing land, an appraisal can help establish a basis. The basis becomes very useful when paying tax on timber sale income.
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Prices vary on stand variability.
Ornamental Tree Planting
Looking to spruce up your yard? Have us recommend and plant your yard trees whether you are looking for a particular form, shape, flower, flowering duration, size, wide or narrow, we have you covered. You can expect us to plant trees that no one else in the neighborhood has. This service is only offered in the fall and spring. Plantings will fall into mid October and April.
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There are many categories to choose from: crown shape, maturity size, flower color, flower duration, fall color, winter interest, summer leaf color, deer attractant, screen, exfoliating bark, site specific, and fruit/nuts.
Service Area
Dozer Service Area
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Chatauqua
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Cattaraugus
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Erie
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Wyoming
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Allegany
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Livingston
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Steuben
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Schuyler
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Warren
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McKean
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Potter
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​Cameron
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Elk
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Cattaraugus
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Allegany
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McKean
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Potter