Modern silviculture has come a long way from the broad-brush approaches of decades past. Today’s forest managers are embracing increasingly sophisticated methods to prepare sites, apply herbicides, and ensure sustainable outcomes for both productivity and the environment. The key? Precision, planning, and a deep understanding of the site’s unique characteristics.
One of the most common tools in the silviculture toolbox is herbicide application, and when done correctly, it can drastically improve stand establishment by reducing competition and improving site access. Two of the most widely used products, glyphosate and imazapyr, offer a complementary mode of action. When used together, they target six of the seven essential amino acids in plants, providing broad-spectrum control over unwanted vegetation.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Site preparation isn’t just about what works chemically; it’s about what’s appropriate environmentally. Sensitive areas such as schools, homes, nursing facilities, pastures, or even poultry farms must be taken into account. Noise from helicopters, soil-active herbicides, and storm-related runoff can all lead to unintended damage or liability if not carefully managed. Attention to tract shape, vegetation density, access, and long-term cost effectiveness is just as critical as chemical choice.
Couch Helicopters sprays before bedding and planting of MCP® in Ouachita County, Arkansas.
Fortunately, the industry has made remarkable strides in precision and safety. Thirty years ago, residual material from harvests was more common, and herbicide was applied in gallons per acre. Today, we use ounces. With GPS technology guiding helicopters and drones, applicators can now follow exact flight lines based on digital shapefiles. This ensures precise coverage and reduces the risk of overlap, overspray, or drift.
Looking ahead, forestry may adopt technologies already used in agriculture, where application rates vary in real time based on soil maps and equipment speed. Such innovations could optimize herbicide use even further, making treatments more efficient and environmentally sound.
At ArborGen, we believe that sustainable forest management starts with thoughtful planning and proven practices like these. From advanced genetics to expert guidance on site prep, we’re here to help landowners make smarter decisions and grow better forests.
