Woodland Management

Improving the quality and quantity of woodland growing stock and maintaining ground cover and litter for soil and water conservation.

How it works

Existing woodland or other suitable land is dedicated to timber production. Livestock is excluded. Optimum tree populations are determined by the kinds of trees planted and their adaptability to your soils. Existing trees or newly planted trees are thinned, pruned and harvested to maintain desired production. Twigs, limbs and other debris are not removed, maintaining ground cover, reducing soil erosion and providing wildlife habitat. As trees mature they are harvested, and replacements are established.
How it helps""
Adds income to your farm.
Adds beauty to your farm.
Ground cover provides wildlife habitat, reduces soil erosion and improves water quality.

Planning ahead

Do you need this land for livestock or crops?
Are the trees you harvest going to be a marketable product?
Can the soil support the type of trees and product you want?

Tech notes

Plant trees that are suitable to your soils.
Protect from grazing.
Cut undesirable trees and shrubs that are competing with desired species for sunlight and moisture.
Thin hardwood stands to a 12-foot spacing before trees are 5 inches in diameter at a 4 to 5 foot height. *
Do not cut vines unless they are interfering with trees with a high commercial value. Vines provide valuable cover for wildlife.

Maintenance

Control weeds, brush and competing plants by mowing, spraying or cutting.
Mow vegetative growth around new plantings until they are 3 to 4 feet high.
Periodically check for rodent, insect or disease damage.

* Criteria needs to be adjusted for local conditions.

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