Whether reforesting an area after a timber harvest, or establishing trees in a previously unforested space, it is recommended that the site in question be evaluated by one of our Foresters to determine the necessity of Site Preparation. One of the greatest impediments to the establishment of healthy vigorous trees is competing vegetation. This competing vegetation, often referred to simply as “competition” consumes several resources that could benefit your preferred tree species, including sunlight, soil nutrients, water, and space.
Controlling or altogether removing competing vegetation prior to reforesting an area is known as Site Preparation. While not always necessary, Site Preparation may be required in some instances to ensure that the desired species is/are able to be established and thrive within the designated reforestation area.
The methods implemented to prepare a site prior to reforestation are determined by considering several factors but are primarily centered around the conditions of the site itself, including the species composition of competing vegetation, the desired species to be established, and the proximity of sensitive areas (academic facilities, hydrological features, desired vegetation, etc.).
Below are listed some of the most common means of site preparation and the corresponding applications in which they offer the greatest utility:
The application of fire to a landscape can be of great utility in a myriad of scenarios. This means of site preparation is economically feasible, effective in a wide variety of applications, and environmentally beneficial to many wildlife species.
A commonly used tool in pine management, prescribed fire can effectively control, and sometimes altogether eliminate onsite, competing hardwood vegetation. Prescribed fire is also useful in clearing materials that impede the planting process such as logging slash (woody debris that is inadvertently strewn or deliberately placed as an erosion-control measure during logging operations). Prescribed fire is often the sole means of site preparation utilized prior to a reforestation effort; however, it is often used in conjunction with the additional methods outlined below.
This means of site preparation includes the application of forestry-approved herbicidal chemicals to competing vegetation as a means of controlling or eradicating this vegetation. Herbicidal treatments may be carried out through ground or aerial (via helicopter) applications. Chemical treatments contracted through HFC are always performed by licensed herbicide applicators. Whether being applied by land or air, herbicide prescriptions can be made to meet almost any objective, in nearly any setting, while minimizing any threats of environmental harm.
This means of site preparation is accomplished through use of heavy machinery, such as bulldozers or tractors and includes operations such discing, bedding, raking, brush-sawing, and debris removal.
To accomplish the site preparation operations that are required for your forest property, we select contractors from an extensive pool of qualified, reputable, and professional individuals with whom we have established professional relationships and rapport – often spanning many years. These trusted contractors are guaranteed to have undertaken any required training and obtained the licensure necessary to perform site preparation operations.
While we have established trust and mutual respect through our professional relationships with the contractors with whom we work so closely, all operations being conducted by individuals contracted through HFC are routinely supervised by unannounced field-inspections performed by our Registered Foresters to ensure that the work they perform on your property is of the utmost quality and carried out with outstanding professionalism.
To speak with one of our Forestry Consultants, or schedule a free, no-obligation visit to your property, please call our office at: (336) 626-0849 or send us an email at: office@hfcforestry.com