Reforestation Strategies

A comprehensive reforestation strategy following timber harvests creates long term sustainability and regulates future incomes. Planting open areas and reforesting sites that have been harvested creates diversity within the ecosystem of a property, but also provides the landowner future revenue opportunities that can maximize the productivity of a forestland investment.

At Henderson & Associates, Inc., our experts work with you to create a comprehensive reforestation plan to optimize the productivity and growth of the best suited species to your tract. Maximizing a forestland investment’s potential involves planting the right tree in the right areas at the most appropriate time. Our team can help you meet your personal objectives for the property and determine the reforestation plan that is most economically and biologically profitable.

Types of Reforestation

There are several strategies to choose from when planning a reforestation method following a thinning or timber harvest. The method chosen for regeneration is dependent upon several factors, including property objective, soil type, seed sources, site characteristics, etc. Options for reforestation include:

  • Artificial regeneration
  • Natural regeneration
  • Seed selection
  • A combined method

Creating an Effective Reforestation Plan

When it comes to creating an effective reforestation plan, preparations should begin long before the harvest occurs. Comprehensive site assessments are used to evaluate the physical and productivity features of the property, including the species of tree(s) currently growing, soil nutrients, health, and drainage characteristics. Potential property constraints should also be considered, such as poorly drained and inundated soils, thin, rocky, or talus soils, herbaceous competition, or native wildlife concerns. During this process, the reforestation experts at Henderson and Associates are available to give advice and guidance and answer any questions you may have.

The next step in the process is species selection and site preparation. When determining the best species for reforestation, the following factors should be considered:

  • What are the landowner’s goals and objectives?
  • What species are currently growing on the property?
  • Is the site best suited to pine or hardwood species?
  • What is the site index?
  • What genetic improvements are available in the desired seedling?
  • Will genetically improved seedlings elevate my rate of return?

Site preparation is also a crucial component of the reforestation process. Herbaceious, woody, and even natural pine regeneration must be properly controlled before reforestation begins. Controlling this competition can be achieved through the utilization of herbicides, mechanical operations, or prescribed burning. Site preparation typically occurs in late summer to early fall, and tree seedlings are planted during the winter months when tree growth is dormant.

Whatever your property goals are, Henderson & Associates can help you achieve them through proper reforestation management. We have been assisting our clients with the highest-quality reforestation strategies since 1982. Contact our team today to find out how a reforestation plan can help you get the very most out of your timberland property.