MODULE SIX
Managing Forest Stands
Topics Covered
Vegetation Management
Prescribed Burning
Thinning
Pruning
Vegetation Management
Aesthetics
Vegetation Management
Vegetation
Management
Vegetation Management
Site Prep
Site Prep Example Recommendation
Site Preparation: During our visit we discussed tilling the area as a site preparation method. This area is flat, and suitable for this site preparation method. I recommend to plow and disc this area. Sow a cover crop of winter wheat and orchard grass in the fall before mid-October. Winter wheat at a rate of 1.5-2 bushels per acre and orchard grass at a rate of 10-12 pounds per acre. Plant trees in the spring (January to April). Spray a 3-4 foot wide strip of pre-emergent herbicide such a simazine mixed with glyphosate over the rows of trees before bud break. Continue pre-emergent glyphosate mix application each spring as needed until trees have grown above competition. Mow between rows 2-3 times a year. Below is a photograph of this practice. Always be sure to follow the label instructions and wear protective gear while applying herbicides.
Site Prep
Brush Management
BEFORE
AFTER
Brush Management
Removal of invasive shrubs to encourage the growth of native hardwood tree species and native herbaceous plants. This practice benefits wildlife by increasing browse, and improves accessibility and aesthetics of a forest stand.
Cut Stump: Cut the shrub as low as possible and immediately (within 30 minutes) apply herbicide.
Follow-Up Spray: The next growing season after cut-stump has been completed any sprouts or shrubs too small to cut are foliar sprayed with herbicide.
Hack and Squirt: A hatchet is used to make an angled cut into the stem, herbicide is applied to the wound. The number of cuts depends on the diameter of the stem.
Cut-Stump Method
Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Burning
After
Before
Prescribed Burning
Fire Management goals and objectives
Prescribed Burning
Prescribed Burning
Example of Prescribed Burn Plan
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Smoke Screening Map
Prescribed Burning
Thinning
Thinning
Types of Thinning
Thinning
Mid-Story Removal: Removal of sapling sized trees to encourage the growth and regeneration of preferred species.
Crop Tree Release: Crop trees are selected based on species and form. These crop trees are released by removing trees competing with their crowns on 2-3 sides. This practice improves the growth rate of crop trees for future harvest.
Selective Harvest/Thinning: Removal or harvest of trees to improve growing conditions for the remaining trees. This practice can provide monetary gains to landowners if the trees removed are merchantable.
Recommendation Examples
Mid-Story Removal: The forestland contains a number of sapling sized trees that cast shade on the forest floor and interfere with the establishment of valuable species that are less tolerant of shade, such as oak. For this reason, I recommend the removal of these trees from your forest midstory. Midstory removal will allow enough sunlight to reach the forest floor to encourage the regeneration of oaks, but not enough sunlight to encourage faster growing species that can outcompete them. This practice can ensure that oaks remain a part of your future stand, and have the best possible chance of competing with faster growing species once the stand is opened up to sunlight in a future harvest.
Recommendation Examples
Crop Tree Release: The forestland could benefit from timber stand improvement (TSI) to help maintain the rapid growth of select good quality trees (or “crop trees”). This would involve felling or girdling any defective or poor quality tree that is competing with the crown of your best quality trees. By focusing on select trees, this approach can achieve great benefit with a minimum amount of effort. If desired, I can help you identify crop trees and mark the surrounding trees that need to be deadened or removed.
Selective Harvest: The forestland should be selectively harvested. A selective harvest in this stand would target mature trees, defective trees, and inferior species. The harvest will not only earn you income, but it is necessary for long‑term forest management. Enough high quality stems will remain after the harvest to ensure continued returns in the future. This type of harvest is also important to encourage oak regeneration. The timber harvest should also benefit wildlife by creating a more diverse habitat and increased browse.
Pruning
Pruning