TreeLines
January 2024 – 1st Edition
A Look Into The Crystal Ball- Why Planning Sets You Up For Success
As we observe the beginning of the planting season in the southeastern region, it’s noteworthy to recognize that the seedlings currently taking root have undergone a two to three-year development process. The journey commences with the procurement of seeds, but the true challenge lies in ensuring that we plant precisely what aligns with your vision for your land. Your unique preferences play a pivotal role, and to ensure success, accurate information from you is crucial.
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Pine Cone Collection
Autumn
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Drying the Cones
2 months later
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Seed Extraction
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Cleaning the Seeds
Late Winter
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Storage & Stratification
Late Winter
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Sowing
35 Days After Stratification (Spring)
In our regular discussions with foresters and landowners about present and future timber markets, the intriguing idea of a crystal ball often arises. Unfortunately, we lack a crystal ball capable of revealing stumpage prices or market performance over the next 15 years. However, what we can do is engage in meticulous planning for the upcoming planting season. While it may not be the crystal ball of our imagination, this planning approach positions us for success in the future.
The significance of this planning becomes even more apparent when we consider the substantial 20+ year investment involved in timber plantation. Consequently, it makes logical sense to initiate discussions about the genetic aspects of the next planting season as early as January and February. By mid-February, the selected seeds have entered the stratification process, marking a point of no return. These choices will materialize into the next year’s crop.
Early planning ensures certainty regarding the availability of stock type, provenance, and genetic category because your preferences for the following year are already secured. In essence, the true crystal ball lies in proactive planning and readiness for the future.
Author: South Carolina Reforestation Advisor, Kylie Burdette
Planting Density: Less CAN be more!
Reforestation Advisor Jason Cromer discusses the importance of Planting Density and how planting fewer trees-per-acre (TPA) with advanced genetics can actually deliver more revenue than than OP control families.
Important Planting Tips
Too Loose
A firm pull on one needle cluster moves the plant.
Excessive Tap Root Pruning
Pine seedling roots should not be pruned shorter than 5". Hardwood seedling roots should not be pruned shorter than 6".
Not Erect
The taproot should not be planted at more than 30˚ from perpendicular.
Our Commitment To You
Client Results
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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