TreeLines

August 2024 – 2nd Edition

Effective Tree Planting on Challenging Sites

Author: Shannon Stewart

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.

Picture8 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition
Picture9 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

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.

Picture10 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition
Picture11 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

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.

Picture12 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition
Picture13 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

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 High Demand Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

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

Timber Talks Greg Podcast Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

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.

Client Results

Ah 7 17 2024 Ope Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

OP Elite at 1.5 years

Gloucester, VA

Ah 7 25 2024 Mcpadv Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines August 2024 2Nd Edition

MCP® ADV at 6.5 years

King & Queen County, VA

Download a Copy of this TreeLines Edition

Need a trusted partner to guide the way? Get in touch with a Reforestation Advisor to explore your options!
Austin Heine

Austin Heine

North Carolina and Virginia


910-660-3209

Greg Hay

Greg Hay

Arkansas, Northern Louisiana, and Oklahoma


501-350-4217

Shannon Stewart

Shannon Stewart

Eastern Texas, Southern Louisiana

936-239-6189

Paul Jeffreys, Ph.d.

Paul Jeffreys, Ph.D.

Alabama & Mississippi

Manager Special Projects & Sustainability
205-712-9582

Drew Fasano

Drew Fasano

Reforestation Advisor
South Carolina
843-520-6865

Blake Sherry

Blake Sherry

Reforestation Advisor
Georgia and Florida

912-433-5407

Kylie Burdette

Kylie Burdette

U.S. Sales Manager

864-650-4454

Jason Watson

Jason Watson

Director, U.S. Sales

404-840-7489