Reforestation
Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down or harvested, aiming to restore the ecological balance and replenish lost tree cover.
Reforestation
Herbicide Application
The Herbicide process starts with properly identifying vegetative species throughout the site and determining the proper chemical mixture to ensure elimination of the targeted species while protecting various native species if present. Herbicide can be applied with a variety of methods based on site conditions. The three most common methods are ground application via machine. areal application typically via helicopter, and ground application via hand crew. We will determine which application method is best.
Seedling Procurement
The three main yellow pine species primarily planted in our area for commercial production are longleaf, slash, and loblolly pine. We will make species recommendations based on soil type, site conditions, and land-owner preference. After the proper species is chosen, we will contact our nurseries and pre order seedlings.
Site Prep Burn
A site prep burn is necessary to remove debris left from timber harvesting as well as to remove vegetative material for a cleaner planting job. Prior planning and proper timing are of utmost importance with this practice to ensure efficacy. As is the case with all burning, a site prep burn should be performed by industry professionals with training and experience with prescribed burning and wildland fire suppression.
Mechanical Site Prep
Mechanical site prep involves various means of land clearing with heavy equipment. Some examples of these are raking/piling, drum chopping, mulching, scalping, bedding, and sub-soiling. Our team will determine and discuss proper implementation of these practices with the landowner.
Seedling Establishment
Seedling establishment involves the process of planting either by machine or hand crew. Site conditions and landowner desires will determine which of these methods are chosen.
Seedling Survival Check
A few months following seedling establishment our team will perform site visits to ensure adequate seedling survival. After the survival assessment is complete, we will provide the landowner with the data that we have received in our site visit. If adequate survival is determined, no further action will be taken. But in the case of excess mortality, we will decide how to proceed in order to obtain an adequate plantation.
Reforestation Outline
Determining Site Needs
- Choosing proper seedling species
- Determine proper herbicide mixture
- Determine mechanical site-prep needs if necessary
- Determine planting method
Herbicide Application
- Herbicide application will be performed in the summer/fall prior to seedling establishment.
- Herbicide will be applied either in house or with a specialized herbicide contractor.
- If performed by a contractor, a team member will be on site for quality assurance.
Mechanical Site Prep
- Mechanical Site Prep will be performed at least six to eight weeks following the herbicide application.
- If mechanical site prep is necessary, it can be performed prior to or following the site prep burn. This will be determined by a qualified team member.
Site Prep Burn
- Site prep burning is performed at least six to eight weeks following the herbicide application.
- Additional mechanical site preparation can be done following the site prep burn if necessary.
Seedling Establishment
- This is the final step in the reforestation process and can be done immediately after the site prep burn.
- Seedling establishment typically takes place between November and February.
Survival Assessment
- Survival assessments are typically performed three to four months following seedling establishments usually occurring in the month of June.
- An assessment report will be provided to the landowner and unless there are issues that need addressing, this will finalize the reforestation process in its entirety.
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