A landowner considering a short-rotation forestry project should consider using the decision-tree approach shown in Figure 14. The “Decision Tree for Short-Rotation Forestry” is a tool to help landowners and land managers decide what type of raw material or product to produce based on their desired timeframe, proximity to wood manufacturers, available acreage, and land management experience. It is helpful to develop a set of possible options for your specific project (size, spacing possibilities, management activities, and expected market pricing) and run the online enterprise budget tool to evaluate cash flows, incomes, and rates of return on each scenario. Ultimately, input costs to “grow” the forest must be less than the value of the forest after harvest.

Using the Decision Tree approach, first consider and answer the "Roots for Success" questions at the bottom to help determine if you and your land are a good candidate for short-rotation forestry. Then, if you are a candidate for a short-rotation forestry project, additionally review the following Land Assessment and Selection Considerations.