TreeLines

July 2024 – 2nd Edition

Site Preparation: To Burn or Not to Burn?

Control, or prescribed, burning is a forestry tool many landowners like to use to prepare tracts for planting. What does burning accomplish, and should you spend the money on it?

The primary benefit of control burning is to improve planter access by reducing logging debris and vegetation. The clearing effect of a controlled burn allows hand planters or machines to cover the entire area, be more accurate with tree spacing, and make good contact between the seedling and the soil. It’s important to note that any effects on vegetation are temporary. The brush can be top-killed by burning, but the root system remains unaffected and will generally sprout back vigorously. Occasionally, a fire will be hot enough to affect the root system. Really hot fires can have detrimental effects on the litter layer that helps prevent erosion and sheet washing on slopes and adds organic matter to the soil over time. Hot fires should be avoided for these reasons. Unless logging debris is very heavy, hand planters and machines are usually able to work around tops and brush piles and give a quality planting job with the adequate spacing of seedlings. The firelines that are typically necessary for control burning can improve access for walking and four-wheelers but must be carefully installed to prevent erosion. Seeding with grasses or wildlife beneficial plants should be considered.

Control burning costs can range from around $50 to $60 per acre, or more. Landowners should consider whether this cost is necessary for a quality planting job. Spending this money on weed control and improved genetics is often better than investing a few more dollars per acre. Control burning can be a valuable tool, but consider if it is essential and review all of your options that could be better investments in the long term.

Pic 1 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines July 2024 2Nd Edition

A newly burned pine plantation in Ward, Alabama shows great competition control of undesirable understory species.

Pic 2 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines July 2024 2Nd Edition

Prescribed burn site preparation in Choctaw County, Mississippi.

Pic 3 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines July 2024 2Nd Edition

Mississippi prescribed burn manager, Doug Stone, overseeing prescriptions that were implemented to replant the Cork Place tract.

Your experienced ArborGen Reforestation Advisor can assist you in looking at your goals and options as you begin site preparation. Contact the Reforestation Advisor in your area.

ArborGen is Hiring

Hiring Multi Positions 2 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines July 2024 2Nd Edition

ArborGen is hiring multiple positions companywide:

  1. IT Systems Administrator
    • Ridgeville, South Carolina
  2. Product Development Research Associate
    • Nacogdoches, Texas
  3. Forestry Nursery Specialist
    • Blenheim, South Carolina
  4. Forestry Nursery Specialist
    • Shellman, Georgia
  5. Forestry Nursery Specialist
    • Selma, Alabama

Our company is made up of innovative and passionate people; foresters, scientists, biologists, conservationists, tree farmers and researchers. We provide a professional yet fun work environment where your input and abilities will have a direct impact on every seedling we grow. Consider joining us!

Customer Success Story

ArborGen customer, Sid Dromgoole, of Nacogdoches, Texas discusses his experiences as a first-time pine tree farmer and the factors that have led to his success. Sid shares why ArborGen seedlings were the obvious choice to generate revenue and build a future legacy for his children.

Client Results

Jc 7 1 24 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines July 2024 2Nd Edition

OP Elite at 3 years

Bay County, Florida

Pj 6 21 24 1 Arborgen Tree Seedlings Treelines July 2024 2Nd Edition

MCP® at 1 year

Midway, Alabama

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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