Written by Blake Sherry, ArborGen Reforestation Advisor
One situation I run into with landowners fairly often is the desire to experiment with genetics when reforesting a tract. They want to see the difference for themselves, and honestly, I understand why.
Seeing results firsthand gives landowners confidence in trying new genetics and new silvicultural approaches. Most of the time, I enjoy seeing these small-scale trials because they create another opportunity to demonstrate the differences in genetics, spacing, silviculture, and overall stand performance.
Before You Create Your Own Trial
Where I usually step in is when a landowner wants to take that experiment from a few acres to an entire tract – or even all of the land they own.
Before making that leap, I often suggest taking a drive to look at established demonstration plots, progeny tests, and older stands of timber.
Why?
Because we at ArborGen, and many landowners before you, have already done the experimenting.
Spending a few hours looking at established stands with different genetics growing side-by-side can often answer your questions in an afternoon rather than requiring you to wait the next decade for results.
See the Differences for Yourself
The photo above shows a 10-year-old demonstration plot planted on the property of a landowner and forestry consultant.
Different blocks contain different genetics, with 48 trees planted in each block. At first glance, the height growth difference of one particular family, a MCP® Pro+ family, is immediately noticeable. On closer inspection, differences in stem form become apparent as well. When you visit the site in person, you can easily measure differences in tree size and overall performance.
Through collaboration with partners across the South, we have demonstration sites that can be easily visited where these experiments have already been conducted. Instead of wondering how different genetics might perform, you can see the results firsthand with genetics growing side-by-side under real-world conditions.
Ask Questions. See Real Answers.
Before you plant your next experiment, give your local Reforestation Advisor a call and see if we can show you a real-world example of the question you’re trying to answer.
What does 30% volume gain look like?
Does rust resistance really matter?
Will these trees perform on my soil type?
Chances are that we’ve already helped answer those questions through demonstration plots, progeny tests, and operational plantings across the South.
The answers are out there – and we’d be happy to show them to you.