Rubber wood, together with latex, represents the two key products of the rubber cultivation cycle. The harvesting of rubber wood must be carried out based on principles that maximize economic efficiency, ensure social and environmental sustainability, and align with the development orientation of each investment project.
1. Management of Rubber Wood Harvesting Areas
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Rubber wood harvesting is permitted under the following conditions:
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When plantations complete their latex tapping cycle according to official management or research schedules.
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When the latex yield becomes uneconomical for the investor.
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When low-density plantations require replanting or conversion for other purposes.
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When small interspersed areas fall within a region already scheduled for harvesting, to ensure continuity and operational convenience.
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When plantations are damaged by natural disasters or disease and cannot recover effectively.
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When economic analysis proves that wood harvesting yields higher returns than continued latex production, as approved in the investment plan.
For plantations where wood is the primary product and latex is secondary, harvesting shall follow the standard procedure for timber crops.
The authority to approve rubber wood harvesting lies with the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) for wholly owned subsidiaries and by agreement or approval for other investment units as prescribed.
2. Rubber Wood Harvesting Schedule and Area
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A short-, medium-, and long-term plan must be developed, covering all areas that meet the harvesting criteria under Article 175.
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Clear-cutting (complete harvesting) is not allowed on sloped land above 15° for areas exceeding 50 hectares.
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Harvesting must be staggered throughout the year to maintain a stable wood supply, with at least three harvest periods annually.
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Priority should be given to harvesting during latex tapping breaks or under favorable weather conditions. The latest harvesting season should occur by early Q4 of the preceding year or within Q1 of the replanting year.
Timber volume assessment must be conducted within six months prior to felling, based on sample plots or a full stand inventory (tree count, height, diameter).
Market value estimation should reflect current market prices, calculated according to volume and type (logs, firewood).
The Board of Directors of VRG sets the standardized procedure, sequence, and methods for inventory, volume assessment, and harvesting operations applicable across the Group.
3. Salvage Logging after Natural Disasters
For plantations damaged by storms, strong winds, or other natural disasters, immediate action is required to restore production and recover value:
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Rapid inventory and classification of trees: uprooted, broken, leaning, or damaged branches. Identify trees beyond recovery and promptly clear debris.
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Prepare inspection records and determine timber and firewood volumes to propose starting auction prices or direct sales for fallen trees to minimize loss and maximize recovery.
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For severely damaged plantations with less than 50% tree density remaining, initiate procedures for complete harvesting and replanting after production recovery.
4. Methods of Rubber Wood Harvesting
Rubber wood may be harvested under one of the following forms:
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Sale of the entire plantation through public auction or direct sale, granting buyers full ownership and rights to utilize all harvested wood and firewood.
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Hiring contractors to perform harvesting operations, with payment for services and wood utilization rights assigned accordingly.
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Self-harvesting by the enterprise, managing both operations and post-harvest wood utilization.
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The Board of Directors of VRG determines the appropriate harvesting form in compliance with current Vietnamese forestry and environmental laws.
Conclusion
Rubber wood harvesting is not merely the end of a latex production cycle — it marks the transition to the next generation of sustainable plantations.
Through careful planning, responsible felling, and compliance with VRG standards, Vietnam’s rubber sector ensures efficient resource use, minimal environmental impact, and long-term profitability.