Manage for Non-Timber Forest Products

Many Tennessee forest landowners can benefit from managing their woods for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) - natural goods harvested from a forest other than timber.

A key term to know is agroforestry, which is a way of using land that combines trees or forests with other plants or animals to produce a mix of useful products like food, wood, and medicinals while also benefiting the environment. Some products of agroforestry would be considered NTFPs.

Examples of NTFPs can include:

  • Mushrooms (e.g., morels, chanterelles)
  • Medicinal plants (like ginseng, goldenseal)
  • Berries and nuts (blackberries, elderberries, walnuts)
  • Wild herbs (such as ramps, mint)

Why It Matters

These products offer personal use, income, and a stronger connection to your land. Managing for NTFPs supports family traditions and self-reliance, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and economic and recreational opportunities. However, without care, these NTFPs can be lost to invasive species, overcrowding, or poor growing conditions. 

Simple Management Steps

There are a number of management activities that can help support NTFP production on your property. These may include:

  • Thinning crowded areas to let in light
  • Removing invasive plants
  • Learning what NTFPs grow naturally on your land
  • Taking steps to establish new NTFP
  • Protecting and encouraging native species

Managing for NTFPs is a practical, low-impact way to get more value from your woods while supporting long-term forest health.

So What's Next?

Use the resources linked below to learn more about NTFPs and management strategies.

Reach out to your local TDF area forester for advice and guidance or to request a property visit. Area foresters can help you assess what TNFPs already exist on your land and how you can encourage the expanded production of NTFPs.

Find your local TDF area forester...