Smith County sits in the Piney Woods — timber is a major land use

The Piney Woods region covers Smith County with post oak, blackjack oak, loblolly pine, and tall grasses. Timber has been a major employer here. By 1969, nearly 6,000 people in the county worked in the lumber business.

Timberland can qualify for agricultural special appraisal under Texas tax law, lowering the tax burden. If you own forested land, talk to Smith CAD about whether your timber operations qualify. Timber land also supports hunting leases, which are common in East Texas.