If a cleaner site is desired, drum chopping is a very good method of
knocking down the undesirable growth. The result is a nice mat of debris,
that can even act as mulch for the new trees. But, even finding a chopper
north of the fall line is difficult and it is can be very costly to use. A second
method is
Click HERE to learn more about Mechanical Site Prep
knocking down the undesirable growth. The result is a nice mat of debris,
that can even act as mulch for the new trees. But, even finding a chopper
north of the fall line is difficult and it is can be very costly to use. A second
method is
Click HERE to learn more about Mechanical Site Prep
| Aerial application of herbicide is a widely used method of preparing a site for replanting. Performed in late summer, it is done to "knock back" competing weeds and woody species so trees planted the following winter can have up to two growing seasons with little competition. Click HERE to learn more about Aerial Site Prep Spraying. |
| Prescribed fire is a very useful tool to help prepare a site for replanting. A properly executed site prep burn should 1) remove large and small woody logging debris; 2) consume enough debris and remaining stems to facilitate planting; 3) kill what competition the herbicide spray was unable to reach; and 4) return many nutrients to the soil much quicker than the slower process of rotting. In addition, a good site prep burn can reduce the risk of wildfire for years to come by consuming most all of the available debris, and sets the stage for future burns (the prescription of which depends upon the species planted and/or the ultimate objectives of the landowner. Click HERE to learn more about Prescribed Burning. |
Occasionally, the planting site can become choked with weeds and other undesirable plants that can
shade out or out-compete the new trees for water and nutrients. This second factor is the most critical.
Therefore, if the competition that grows is mostly shallow-rooted weeds such as ragweed or
horseweed, then the new trees should be fine. But if the competition that arises is one of many species
of grasses, the roots of which grow fast, deep and will choke out anything else, then it is necessary to
follow the planting with a spring herbicide treatment.
In most cases where the site prep spray was efficacious, this is not necessary, and unwanted
competition is found mosly along the edges where the spray could not reach.
In the case of contanierized longleaf, as long as the longleaf tree is not completely shaded, it will put on a
strong root and grow a ring of needles to protect the bud. The following winter/early spring (and/or the
next) a prescribed burn can be run through the longleaf, which, under proper conditions, will encourage
it to enter the "rocket" stage, whereby it will outgrow much of the weeds and grasses and therefore
outcompete them.
Click here to learn more about Release Spraying
shade out or out-compete the new trees for water and nutrients. This second factor is the most critical.
Therefore, if the competition that grows is mostly shallow-rooted weeds such as ragweed or
horseweed, then the new trees should be fine. But if the competition that arises is one of many species
of grasses, the roots of which grow fast, deep and will choke out anything else, then it is necessary to
follow the planting with a spring herbicide treatment.
In most cases where the site prep spray was efficacious, this is not necessary, and unwanted
competition is found mosly along the edges where the spray could not reach.
In the case of contanierized longleaf, as long as the longleaf tree is not completely shaded, it will put on a
strong root and grow a ring of needles to protect the bud. The following winter/early spring (and/or the
next) a prescribed burn can be run through the longleaf, which, under proper conditions, will encourage
it to enter the "rocket" stage, whereby it will outgrow much of the weeds and grasses and therefore
outcompete them.
Click here to learn more about Release Spraying
The most important step of establishing a new stand of trees is the planting process itself, and close
scrutiny of the planting job makes the difference between a good planting job and a poor one.
Chesnut Forestry is present during the ENTIRE process, from the ordering and pick up of the trees, to the
coordination, instruction or even training of the planting contractors, to when the last tree is put in the
ground. Quality will NOT be sacrificed be it from ordering cheaper trees, cheaper labor or faster
planting. If Tim has anything to do with the planting of your trees, then it will be done correctly--whether
you're planting bare-root loblolly, containerized longleaf or root-stock hardwoods!
Click HERE to learn more about Replanting.
scrutiny of the planting job makes the difference between a good planting job and a poor one.
Chesnut Forestry is present during the ENTIRE process, from the ordering and pick up of the trees, to the
coordination, instruction or even training of the planting contractors, to when the last tree is put in the
ground. Quality will NOT be sacrificed be it from ordering cheaper trees, cheaper labor or faster
planting. If Tim has anything to do with the planting of your trees, then it will be done correctly--whether
you're planting bare-root loblolly, containerized longleaf or root-stock hardwoods!
Click HERE to learn more about Replanting.
OVERVIEW--REFORESTATION
For a complete and proper reforestation process, Chesnut Forestry provides the following services:
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Site
Preparation
Preparation
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THE FIRST TWO to five years of a newly regenerated stand is critically
important. It is crucial that a new trees have room to grow--free from
competition from weeds, grasses or other undesirable trees.
THE FIRST STEP of producing a new timbered stand is the Site Preparation.
Typically, this involves the application of herbicides aerially by helicopter, but
can involve spraying with tractors, skidders or even 4-wheelers.
Normally, a tract will lay "fallow" for one year, allowing weeds and
undesirable species to sprout, so the herbicide can be most effective. On many
sites, a spray which controls hardwood competition (some herbicide
prescriptions come with three-year guarantees) will suffice, so long as a good
burn can be performed afterward to control any pine regeneration. On other
tracts with high residual or natural pine regeneration present, or on tracts
where a burn is not possible, a "hotter" herbicide spray is necessary (and more
expensive).
CHESNUT FORESTRY tries to get all tracts to spray and replant set up by the
end of June. That gives Tim time to visit the tracts with the herbicide
representative, in order to come up with the correct and guaranteed
prescription, create maps, and get the spraying job lined up.
Spraying typically takes place in August through September, and Tim will be
with the spray crew the whole time.
important. It is crucial that a new trees have room to grow--free from
competition from weeds, grasses or other undesirable trees.
THE FIRST STEP of producing a new timbered stand is the Site Preparation.
Typically, this involves the application of herbicides aerially by helicopter, but
can involve spraying with tractors, skidders or even 4-wheelers.
Normally, a tract will lay "fallow" for one year, allowing weeds and
undesirable species to sprout, so the herbicide can be most effective. On many
sites, a spray which controls hardwood competition (some herbicide
prescriptions come with three-year guarantees) will suffice, so long as a good
burn can be performed afterward to control any pine regeneration. On other
tracts with high residual or natural pine regeneration present, or on tracts
where a burn is not possible, a "hotter" herbicide spray is necessary (and more
expensive).
CHESNUT FORESTRY tries to get all tracts to spray and replant set up by the
end of June. That gives Tim time to visit the tracts with the herbicide
representative, in order to come up with the correct and guaranteed
prescription, create maps, and get the spraying job lined up.
Spraying typically takes place in August through September, and Tim will be
with the spray crew the whole time.
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STEP ONE: Site Preparation
Step Two: Replanting
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Step Three: Release Spraying(if needed)