TreeLines
August 2024 – 2nd Edition
Effective Tree Planting on Challenging Sites
Author: Shannon Stewart
Eastern Texas & Southern Louisiana
This is the second in a series on eliminating “self-made” challenges in reforestation.
In the last TreeLines, Challenging Timber Planting Sites: Eliminating “Self-Made” Problems and Maxiziming Results, we discussed the factors to consider before beginning the replanting process. That left us with the question: How do you prioritize and complete tasks that will give you the best chance of success?
Understanding the Challenges
Well ahead of reforestation, effective planning and supervision during the harvesting process can have a big impact on maintaining site quality and the performance trajectory of the next stand. This is crucial in maintaining the overall value of your property. Landowners should work with a professional forester to hire a logger who understands how important it is to minimize impacts to the soil and follow best management practices. The forester can also ensure logging debris is spread as evenly as possible, which encourages better seedling distribution and reduces the need for burning.
Dealing with Soil Issues
On sites with compacted soils, like those with iron ore and clay, it’s important to loosen the soil to allow tree roots to grow. This can require subsoiling, and is best done when the soil is dry. Time should be allowed for the soil to settle before planting. Rainfall after loosening helps prepare the soil for planting.
Managing Competition
Weeds and other plants can compete with young trees, so it’s essential to control them. A flexible approach is needed, with herbicides applied before and after planting. Monitoring over several years is key to adjusting your methods as needed. Dealing with briars, vines, tall leafy weeds, and woody stems is a standard part of fall herbicide application, and various tank mixes can be recommended by herbicide professionals.
Promoting Growth
This management plan has proven to be a recipe for success on this site, with promising growth and survival in the first and second years after planting. Fertilization between the second and third years can help trees grow faster. Trees have shown promising growth on sites with iron ore, sometimes reaching 3-4 feet per year.
Handling Additional Challenges
Managing water drainage and preventing erosion are crucial, especially with unpredictable weather. Recent rainfall for this site has not been consistent with record rainfall and flash flooding, so more efforts will be needed to get it back in shape. Properly managing streamsides and roads can help control erosion. Additionally, dealing with pests like tip moths is important for tree health during the early years.
Experience shows when dealing with an advanced site. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Buddy Rosser of Dean, Youens & Rosser for allowing me to share this example with you. Your insights and questions are invaluable.
Hardwoods in High Demand
Hardwoods are witnessing a surge in demand. The carbon credit markets are now active in afforestation, with carbon companies actively seeking opportunities to expand their plantings. The key to establishing a flourishing forest habitat ahead of these expansions? Early planning! Don’t wait; start planning your hardwood wildlife habitat now.
A successful hardwood habitat can be created on any size acreage with any conditions. The wrong hardwood species or incorrect management techniques can put your legacy at risk.
Timber Talks Podcast: Unlocking the Secrets of Sustainable Forestry with Greg Hay
In this episode of Timber Talks, host Mindy sits down with Greg Hay, a Reforestation Advisor at ArborGen, to explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming the forestry industry.
Greg shares his expertise on advanced genetic seedlings, precision forestry, and the future of sustainable reforestation. From the evolution of tree improvement practices since the 1950s to the latest breakthroughs in vegetative propagation and drone technology, this conversation is packed with insights for forestry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Discover how ArborGen is leading the way in enhancing tree growth and timber quality through innovative techniques like controlled pollination and varietal selection. Plus, learn about the economic benefits of these advancements and how they contribute to a more sustainable and profitable forestry industry.
Customer Success Story
Charles Purtle, an experienced Arkansas forest landowner, shares the importance of having a trusted Reforestation Advisor by your side. Charles appreciates that the practice of forestry is a combination of science and art.
Austin Heine
North Carolina and Virginia
910-660-3209
Greg Hay
Arkansas, Northern Louisiana, and Oklahoma
501-350-4217
Shannon Stewart
Eastern Texas, Southern Louisiana
936-239-6189
Paul Jeffreys, Ph.D.
Alabama & Mississippi
Manager Special Projects & Sustainability
205-712-9582
Drew Fasano
Reforestation Advisor
South Carolina
843-520-6865
Blake Sherry
Reforestation Advisor
Georgia and Florida
912-433-5407
Kylie Burdette
U.S. Sales Manager
864-650-4454
Jason Watson
Director, U.S. Sales
404-840-7489
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