Determining the lumber value of different tree species depends on several factors, including species type, quality, market demand, and regional pricing. Here’s how you can find that information: 

1. Understanding Lumber Value Factors
Species: Some trees, like black walnut and white oak, are highly valuable, while others, like poplar or soft maple, are lower in price.
Grade & Quality: High-quality, defect-free logs (straight, no knots, minimal taper) gain higher value.
Board Foot Measurement: Lumber is often sold per board foot (BF), how that works is you find the value, so today as of May 5th 2026 as an example it stands at 589. That represents $589 / 1000 = $0.589 per board foot. The math is easy... For a 2x4: A 12 foot 2x4 board contains 8 board feet (12 x 2" x 4" / 12 = 8). At 0.589 per board foot the material cost in that 2x4 is roughly $4.71 at the processing facility. ($0.589 x 8)!
Market Demand: Certain woods (e.g., black walnut) are always in demand, while others fluctuate based on industry needs.
Location & Access: Transportation costs and local sawmill availability affect pricing.

2. Sources for Lumber Pricing
A. Forestry & Timber Reports
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF)
They may provide pricing reports on timber sales and stumpage fees.
Check their website or contact a local forestry office.
U.S. Forest Service / Canadian Forest Service Reports
Government agencies sometimes publish timber pricing guides.
State/Provincial Timber Auctions
If logging occurs on Crown land, auction results provide market value.

B. Lumber & Logging Associations
Ontario Woodlot Association (OWA) – Sometimes publishes timber value estimates.
National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) – U.S.-based but useful for market trends.
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) – Industry insights on market values.
Quick rules for interpreting lumber tables
Check the unit: Always MBF (thousand board feet)
Compare current to last week: short-term market movement
Compare current to 4-week average: recent trend
Compare current to 52-week average: long-term trend / historical context
Note lumber type & grade: higher grade → higher price; species matters
Adjust for currency if comparing international prices.

C. Local Sawmills & Timber Buyers
Many sawmills buy logs directly from landowners.
Call or visit local mills and ask for price estimates based on tree species.

D. Online Pricing Tools
Websites like TimberMart-South (U.S.-focused) track lumber pricing.
Woodworking and logging forums sometimes have updated regional pricing.
Lumber exchange sites (e.g., Wood-Mizer) may provide real-world pricing.