Cooperative Extension Service The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
	4-H Forestry
	field day manual

Georgia's environmental quality and economic health depend upon forest resources. Jobs, families, trees, and forest values all grow together in Georgia.

PDF
Revised 2000

Table of Contents

Introduction
General Information
General Rules and Regulations: Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Days
Contest Events
Score Sheet
Glossary of Forestry Terms
Tree and Forest Concepts
Summary of Laws and Regulations Affecting Forests and Range Land
References

Lonnie E. Varnedoe, Jr., Kim D. Coder, David J. Moorhead
Extension Forest Resources

Introduction

The 4-H Forestry Field Day Contests include a number of competitive events in which each member of a three- or four-person team competes in all the events. The events include:

• Tree Identification
• Estimation of Tree Measurements
• Compass and Pacing (Juniors - pacing only)
• Forest Insect and Disease Identification
• Forest Site Evaluation (State Contest Only) Team Event

No 4-H Record Books are required for participation in this contest. The team members do not have to be enrolled in the forestry project; however, this would be highly desirable.

The objectives of this team competition are to develop abilities and attitudes that help build better citizens and leaders. Participants should also increase their knowledge of trees and forests, and develop some skills in forestry related activities. They should gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, our forest resources and how they contribute to our economy and quality of life.

Who can participate in the 4-H Forestry Field Day Contests? Any 4-H Club member may participate as a forestry team member. Girls and boys from both urban and rural areas may participate. Competition, however, will be at two levels -- senior and junior. Cloverleaf members may compete as junior team members.

This training manual is designed to provide information for both junior and senior team members who each participates at different levels of competition. Seniors participate at advanced levels in three of the events. These include the following:

• Use of the compass in conjunction with the pacing event.
• Use of a different tree, forest insect, and disease information list.
• Forest Site Evaluation (Whole team event at the State contest only)

The levels of competition for this event may be on both inter- and intra-county competition levels to encourage the selection of the best team members at both the senior and junior levels. District/area competition will be held between county teams for both juniors and seniors. State competition is at the senior level only. The top team in the state, at the discretion of the head forestry judge, will compete in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in West Virginia the following July or August.

Coaching help for participants may be obtained at the local level. None of the technical skills are too complex for county extension agents. However, there are probably many willing volunteers in each community. Teams in the past have been very successful using local foresters who may be self-employed, state or federal foresters or industry foresters. Even an untrained local leader who is willing to learn along with the 4-H'ers can do the job. Using local foresters is strongly encouraged.

It is critical that volunteer leaders carefully read this manual to assure the students receive correct information about preparing for this event.

The equipment needed for this project is not elaborate. The events have been chosen so that a minimum of equipment is needed and a minimum of "setting-up" time is required. The equipment needed for a complete contest is as follows:

• Tree Scale Stick (tree measurement sticks and International ¹/₄ rule volume tables).
• Hand compass (most accurate allowed is Silva Ranger Type 15 without slope measuring arrow).
• Tape (100 foot tape would be desirable but shorter tape will do).
• Small flags or markers (for marking the ends of compass course).

General Information

The Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Day contests and the National 4-H Forestry Invitational are competitive events of forestry knowledge and skills. The national meeting is currently held annually around the end of July at Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp in Weston, West Virginia.

There are district/area and state competitions in Georgia with the state winners usually going to the National contest. The purpose of the Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Day contests and the National 4-H Forestry Invitational is to provide opportunities for 4-H Forestry members to:

• develop leadership talents and to work toward achieving character development and effective citizenship;
• develop appreciation of the need and importance of conserving woodland as a source of products and services necessary for quality living; and
• acquire information and understanding of practical forestry skills in forest management and utilization of forest products.

Although competitive in nature, the Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Days and the National 4-H Forestry Invitational are managed as an extensive forestry educational experience. They provide an opportunity for exploration of the broad aspects of forestry. The events encourage and promote better forestry knowledge for 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and extension agents at local, county, district, state, and national levels. The setting, contests, leadership, and any supplementary events are all directed to this end.

There are many general and specific values and perceptions developed through these events. Preparation of youths into teams for this 4-H Forestry Field Day helps to accomplish the following:

• presents, identifies, and locates the renewable resources of the forest environment such as forest products, water, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and selected grazing;
• establishes a natural resource value system for participating 4-H members;
• helps 4-H landowners understand the techniques of managing their land and improving the understanding of 4-H'ers as potential landowners; and
• furnishes facts and scientific procedures for future adults. 4-H'ers will learn to weigh and understand renewable resource management needs.

Furthermore, the competitive team approach which is used in the Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Days and the National 4-H Forestry events, develops at all levels, the following benefits:

• intensified learning opportunities using correct management information and factors concerning forest resources;
• standardizes, or presents, similar references, materials, guides, and understanding of tree identification, forest measurements, and use of silvicultural problems of management, insects, diseases, etc.;
• encourages rural, suburban and urban teams to share ideas and visit potential management areas with a new perspective of 4-H forestry;
• provides new insight to senior members who serve as team leaders with younger 4-H members in beginning forestry projects;
• allows team members to formulate goals and discuss management procedures with other
  4-H'ers and with professional land managers; and
• provides a new dimension for older 4-H member activities and incentive for younger members beyond the present project-oriented program.

General Rules and Regulations: Georgia 4-H Forestry Field Days

I. Contestants and Eligibility

1. Each county is allowed to bring up to 20 (twenty) senior and 20 (twenty) junior contestants to district/area competition. At district/area contests, only the top three scores within the senior and junior divisions for any one county will be recorded. The top three scorers from a county will comprise all or part of the county team sent on to state competition (if selected for state competition). A team will consist of no less than three and no more than four entrants who are 4-H members in their county during the current year.
2. All senior level contestants must be attending classes in the 9^th grade and above, and must not have passed their 19^th birthday on January 1 of the program year.
3. An individual may enter the National 4-H Forestry Invitational event only once.
4. All contestants must meet all rules and regulations put forward in the current Georgia
   4-H Project Award Guidebook available in each county.

II. General Contest Rules

1. Only contestants and designated officials shall be on or within the perimeter of an event. Once a contestant has started an event, he/she will not be allowed to talk with anyone other than a designated official until completion of that particular event. In team events, team members may openly discuss tasks and solutions.
2. A team may be composed of either three or four members. Team scores will be based on the three highest scoring team members in each contest area. Individual contestants with the highest score will also be selected and recognized.
3. Each team member will bring a clipboard or writing board, pencil, tree scale stick, compass, and calculator. Contestants are encouraged to wear field clothing.
4. Behavior becoming 4-H'ers and citizens of the Great State of Georgia will be expected at all times.
5. It is expected that all team members participate in all events to the best of their abilities and talents.
6. The forestry judges reserve the right to remove from competition, contest, venue, and from contest participation any and all contestants, leaders, volunteers, spectators, or teams at his/her discretion.
7. The decisions of the judges are final.

Contest Events

1. Tree Identification

Participants will identify 10 to 25 tree, branch, twig, or leaf specimens. Specimens could include full trees, freshly cut foliage, older foliage, herbarium sheets with pressed foliage, or photographs of foliage. Normally fruit and seeds will not be provided. The complete common name as listed on the contest's official list should be given (for example, "maple" will be incorrect if the tree is "red maple"). Only one-half credit will be given for misspelled, but identifiable, names. Trees will be selected only from the current year's official species list given in the following charts.

Preparation

Number 10 to 25 trees or leaf/branch specimens. These should be from the official species list. Trees or specimens should be considered typical. Juvenile plants and shade leaves should be avoided since they are often larger than normal and have a distorted shape. Each contestant should be given a sheet with numbered blanks for each tree's common name. The complete common name should be reproduced as given on the official species list. No credit is given for partially correct names. Clearly correct but misspelled names get half credit. The person receiving the highest score will be the individual winner. The team with the highest total for the best three participants will be the team winner.

Contest Rules

• Different species of trees have various requirements for good growth. They also differ in merchantability. Therefore, you must be able to identify trees of the forest. All trees to be identified will be taken from the "OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST" below.
• Contestants will be required to identify species from those listed below. Contestants will be judged on the accuracy of identification and the spelling of common names. Scientific names will not be required. Incomplete names will be counted as wrong. Example: "Maple" instead of "Red Maple," or "Shortleaf" instead of "Shortleaf Pine" will be counted wrong.
• Contestants will be given a specific time to identify the tree specimens and record the information on the score sheet. An official species list will be available for each contest.
• Points will be given for the correct common name. One-half of the points will be deducted for each name misspelled. The common name must be the one used on the official species list. All final scores from this event may be weighted to match final scores from other events.
• Samples can be photographs, fresh, or pressed herbarium specimens of leaf samples. Samples of leaf/branch cuttings will be used if available and of acceptable quality to the judges. Fruits, nuts, seeds, and flowers will not normally be provided on the contest but may be available.

Official Tree Species List for Juniors

The following tree species list is to be used for the 4-H Forestry Field Day Junior Contests. It is arranged alphabetically by scientific names in order to group similar trees together. The Junior list includes 44 tree species. References are listed in the back of this manual.

Official Tree Species List for Seniors

2. Tree Measurement Estimation

Participants will estimate the saw timber volume in up to five (5) designated trees to an 8" (eight inches) top diameter (outside the bark).

Contestants may use an official cruise or scale stick with no modifications. Diameter tapes, calipers, and other instruments will not be allowed. The person obtaining the total volume closest to that calculated by the judges will be the individual winner. The amount that each team member missed the correct volume will be determined. The team with the highest combined score of its best three participants will be the winner.

Allow only one contestant at each tree at the same time. When they have calculated the total volume in all trees, an appropriate expansion factor should be applied to yield a per acre estimate of saw timber volume. The final answer should be circled and the sheet turned in.

Contest Rules

• Merchantable heights will be determined to the nearest full half-log for saw timber. A half-log is defined as 8' (eight feet) long. The minimum basal log will be 10" (ten inches) diameter breast height (DBH), one log merchantable length, and have a minimum tip diameter of 8"(eight inches). See the following section on tree measures for details.
• Contestants must determine diameter and associated volume to the nearest 1" (one inch) class.
• Record sawlog volumes as found in the standard International ¹/₄ (rule) tree scale volume table (Form class 78) provided by the contest judge (see page 11). Do not use the volume table found on the tree scale stick.
• Contestants must be able to compute volumes on a per acre basis from ¹/₁₀, ¹/₅, or ¹/₄ acre sample plots. Foresters seldom measure every tree when estimating volumes per acre. The concept of an expansion factor should be emphasized during contestant training.

Practice Preparation

Select and number five to ten saw-timber sized trees (10 inches DBH and larger). If possible, measure diameters with a diameter tape and merchantable height with an altimeter or clinometer. Careful "stick" measurements are acceptable. Avoid borderline trees, that is, those trees with a diameter or height that might easily be thrown one inch larger or smaller or one-half log higher or shorter. Give each contestant a scale stick and a sheet numbered with spaces for DBH, height, and volume. The following example may be used.

For each tree, diameter breast height (DBH) and merchantable height in 16 foot logs (to the full half-log) is measured and entered on the table. Then board foot volume for each tree is determined using the Tree Volume Table (below). The volume for the five trees is added together for the subtotal. Multiply by the appropriate number to bring the value to a per acre basis.

Measurement of Standing Trees:

Purpose: Standing trees are measured to obtain an estimate of the amounts of various forest products that might be cut from the tree. These measurements to estimate volume are important because most timber sales are based on volume. In order to make decisions on managing a forest stand, estimates of total tree volume, volume per acre, and volume by product are necessary.

Forest Products: The volume of products such as poles, pilings, sawlogs, veneer logs, pulpwood and fence posts can be determined from tree measurements.

Method: Since all tree stems are basically a part of a cylinder, they have a diameter and height which may be measured. Diameter of standing trees is measured, by time-honored custom, at 4¹/₂ feet above ground on the uphill side of the tree. This is termed "diameter breast height" and is abbreviated as DBH. Height of a standing tree might be measured as total (the entire height from ground line to the top) or merchantable. Merchantable height varies, depending on the product which might be cut. Trees which will produce sawlogs will have different merchantable height criteria than pulpwood trees. The minimum top diameter is fixed by certain product specifications. If a tree is to be cut into logs, the lengths cut will vary, depending upon the demand of the mill to which the logs will go. This is true of sawlogs as well as veneer logs. As a result, total merchantable length will vary.

Tools: The tree scale stick is used to measure diameter and height in the 4-H Forestry Contest. Figure 1 depicts how the tree scale stick is used to find the diameter.

Figure 1. Method of using tree scale stick to obtain tree diameter as viewed from above. Do Not Move Head, Just Eye.

Use the flat side of the stick, indicated "Diameter of Tree (in inches)." Hold the stick level at 25-inches from the eye, against the tree, at a height of 4¹/₂ feet above ground perpendicular to the line of sight. Practice is needed to find both the 4¹/₂ foot point in relation to your height, and the 25-inch distance to your eye. When the stick is placed against a tree, close one eye, sight at the left or zero end. The stick and the tree bark should be in the same line of sight.

Now, DO NOT MOVE YOUR HEAD -- just move your eye across the stick to the right-hand edge of the tree. Read the tree diameter to the nearest inch. Hold the stick perpendicular to the tree.

Height is measured as follows: Pace out 66 feet from the base of the tree to a point where the entire tree can be seen. Hold the stick upright so that the "Number of 16 foot logs" side faces you. The zero end should point toward the ground. Plumb the stick at 25 inches from the eye. Sight the zero end to appear to rest at a 1' (one foot) stump height. DO NOT MOVE YOUR HEAD OR THE STICK. Look up the stick to the point where the top of the last merchantable cut would be made in the tree.

Figure 2. Method of using tree scale stick to obtain tree height. Do Not Move Head, Just Eye.

Merchantable tree cut height for conifers in this contest is 8" (eight inches) top diameter outside the bark OR the first major fork (a major fork is where a stem/branch is larger that ¹/₃ the diameter of the main stem and the crotch is "v-shaped").

Merchantable tree height for hardwoods in this contest is 8" (eight inches) top diameter outside the bark OR the first major fork (a major fork is where a stem/branch is larger than ¹/₃ the diameter of the main stem and the crotch is "v-shaped") OR a major structural defect OR first major branch.

Read sawlogs to the full one-half log. Do not make a log longer than it actually is. For example, record a 2³/₄ log tree as 2¹/₂, not as a 3-log tree. Do not add length that is not present.

Practice on pacing is needed to find the 66-foot point. The 25-inch distance from eye to stick is the same as in measuring tree diameter.

Volume Tables

These are a composite of actual volumes on an average basis. Once the tree measurement is determined, enter the appropriate table from the left with the tree diameter (DBH). Move across to the right to the column containing tree merchantable height at the top. At the intersection of these two points will be that tree's volume. Read and record each tree volume directly and separately. For contest purposes, do not use the volume table on the tree scale stick.

3. Pacing

Pacing, which is determining distance by walking along a line, is an important tool for the forester. Once you learn the average length of your pace you can easily and rapidly estimate distances in the woods and field. In the 4-H Forestry Field Day Contest, Juniors will pace between given points and estimate the total distance between them.

Determining Your Pace

Measure and set stakes 100 feet apart on a generally level field, then walk from one end of the 100-foot line to the other with a natural walking gait. Do this at least five times, each time recording the number of steps or paces (2 steps = 1 pace) it took you to cover the 100-foot distance. Add these up and divide by the number of trips to determine the average number of paces or steps to cover 100 feet. Divide 100 feet by the average number of paces or stops to determine the number of feet per pace or step. See Table 4.

In this example, each pace is equal to 2' (two feet). With that information distances can be determined. For example, to step off the 66-feet from the base of a tree to determine its height using a tree scale stick, it would take 33 paces (33 paces x 2 ft/pace=66 feet).

In the pacing portion of the contest contestants will pace between several points or stakes and will be asked to determine the total distance between them as shown in the following illustration.

In Table 5, the total distance between the three stations is 206 feet, which is the answer you should write on your score card.

Compass and Pacing for Seniors

Participants will be given three (3) compass bearings and distances. From a designated starting point they will follow these bearings and distances. Only a hand compass will be allowed. The end of each participant's course will be designated by a letter or number. The end point must then be recorded. A course longer than 200 feet is desirable. The person ending the course nearest the correct point will be the individual winner. The distance each individual misses the termination point will be added together. The team with the lowest total for its best three participants will be the winner.

Preparation

After selecting the event site, the distance of the course can be determined. Place starting stakes and determine several bearings and distances. The length of each course should be approximately the same. Each course should contain three bearings. Compasses may be provided, or each contestant may bring his/her own. The judge's compass will be the standard. Each contestant is responsible for comparing his/her own compass with the judge's compass standard. A 100-foot distance may be marked off so contestants may check their pace. Tell each contestant where they should start and give them a card or sheet with the three bearings and distances. The termination point should be marked so that the judge can check it for accuracy. The judge will record the distance of the termination point from the point where it should have been.

Materials and Equipment

Silva ranger-type compasses, score sheets, flagging

Contest Rules

• Determine your number of paces per 100 feet on a practice course prior to the contest.
• Instructions will be given to the contestants prior to beginning the course. The contestant will do the following:
• Complete line measurements (distance and bearing)
• Record measurements on score sheet
• Return course sheets to official
• Contestants can use only the following equipment:
• Silva ranger-type compass
• Pencil and clip board
• Score sheet, electronic calculators
• The course layout will consist of three lines. Contestants will pace the lines using a com-pass for directions. Bearings and distances will be followed and the ending point identified.
• The time limit for this event is at the discretion of the forestry judge(s).

4. Insect and Disease Identification

Contestants will be asked to identify forest insects and disease specimens, or samples of their symptoms or signs. Samples may include bark showing characteristics, bark beetle tunnels, pitch tubes, egg masses or other distinctive insect and disease signs. All specimens will come from the Official List of Insects and Diseases for Juniors OR Seniors as appropriate. The list has 10 forest diseases and 15 forest insects. The Senior list includes those on the Junior list plus additional species for a total of 21 diseases and 30 insects.

For the contest, approximately five insects and five diseases will be selected from the official list. As with tree identification, judging is based on accuracy of identification and correct spelling of complete common names. Incomplete or misspelled, but identifiable common names will receive partial credit.

The following insect and disease list is to be used for the 4-H Forestry Field Day Contests. It is arranged alphabetically by common names. Only the common names listed below are accepted in the contest. Capitalization of common names is not required.

Official List of Insects and Diseases for Juniors

Official List of Insects and Diseases for Seniors

5. Forest Evaluation Contest

A Team Event for Seniors
(State Level Only)

Introduction

"Every acre of land devoted to its best use" -- this is an idea that land owners have had about agricultural land for many years. Level and slightly rolling land for row crops and grain, rolling and better upland slopes for pasture and meadow. The general idea about forest land is that forests will grow well on all lands not suited for other crops. This is not correct. There are excellent, good, fair, and poor sites for timber production just as there are different kinds of farm crop land. There are forest lands that will economically support cultural practices and permanent physical improvements and other stands in the same area might barely pay land taxes. There are acres that can be harvested every 10 years and there are other areas that may never produce commercial timber.

Forest Evaluation is based on the premise that trees will be harvested, now or in the future, to maximize the goal(s) of a specified landowner.

This contest has been developed to provide contestants an opportunity to learn first hand of the characteristics affecting the growth of the forest crop. It is divided into four parts: I. Site Evaluation, II. Stand Evaluation, III. Recommended Practices, and IV. Inventory. To successfully compete in this contest, the participant must carefully study the material outlined on the following pages. Each of these parts is closely related to the others, so it is very important to gain an understanding of this relationship.

Silviculture

Much has been written about trees after they are grown and stands established -- of their requirements and the factors that effect these requirements. The study of these same factors and requirements is a branch of forestry which deals with the establishment, development, care and reproduction of stands of timber. A successful tree grower must know how to adjust or compensate for these factors effectively, as well as to avoid making serious mistakes in his/her program.

SITE

The site is the habitat or environment in which plant or a plant community lives. A number of factors will determine whether a plant may exist and reach maturity in a sound, healthy and sturdy state. Some of the factors that determine the desirability of a site are aspect, slope position, percent of slope, and others of a more technical nature.

ASPECT

Aspect is a compass reading facing down a slope; the direction water would run gives the compass direction. Usually a site located on a north-eastern exposure is regarded as favorable and on the opposite, or south-western as rather unfavorable. Actually, taken from a compass reading, an area from North 45 degrees West to South 45 degrees East is considered a good growing site. An illustration of the desirable northern exposure and the less desirable southern exposure is indicated in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Aspect -- Desirable Exposure Sites.

A combination of factors and conditions of a technical nature are involved in the exposure of a site, but for the purposes of this guide, moisture and how it is used or lost shall be the deter-mining factor in exposure and in aspect.

Exposure is just what the term implies; it means that the surface of the land is open or exposed to the forces of the sun, wind and rain. The exposed site loses more moisture by trans-piration and evaporation because of the forces of the sun and wind. A northern exposure is more protected, there is less moisture lost and the trees will grow more rapidly and desirable.

SLOPE POSITION

Slope position is determined only for soils that are not flat. The positions are classified as upper ¹/₃, middle ¹/₃ and lower ¹/₃. Ridge tops or level plateaus and bottom land soils are class-ified separately in land capability.

SLOPE PERCENT

Slope percent is determined by the feet of rise or fall in each 100 horizontal feet of land and is broken down into categories according to steepness which ranges from 0-20 percent, 20-40 per-cent, and 40 percent plus. One instrument that can be used to measure slope percent is called an Abney Level. Figure 4 below illustrates a 20 percent slope.

Figure 4. The simple formula used to calculate the percent (%) of slope is shown below:

AC/BC x 100 = % slope 5/25 x 100 = 20% slope

Forest Land Capability Classes

Forest land is divided into four categories: excellent, good, fair and poor. Much of the information given through site requirements (aspect, slope, position, slope percent) helps to determine the classification.

Class I or Excellent is very good from all points of view. This is practically level forest land, it is fertile and holds water well. There is little erosion, it is well drained, but not droughty. This land will produce a good stand of timber.

Class II or Good is usually gently sloping. In some cases there are drainage problems which may affect tree growth.

Class III or Fair usually has a greater slope percent and could be fairly steep. This slope, together with associated factors of shallow soil and low fertility gives this land its classification of Fair.

Class IV or Poor may be very steep with shallow soil. The site may be rocky with low soil fertility. It can either be extremely wet or dry. Good examples are ridge tips and swamps.

Stocking

Stocking and stand-density are two terms which can be defined the same and used inter-changeably. Both refer to the proportion of a forested area that is covered by trees. In classifying a stand, it is indicated as Well-stocked, Over-stocked, or Under-stocked.

Well-Stocked: A well-stocked forest has trees that are distributed as uniformly as possible to ideal conditions or such that each stem has just enough room to grow and do well.

Over-Stocked: Over-stocked stands have too many trees that crowd each other competing for available soil nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Under-stocked: An Under-stocked stand has too few trees on it to optimally produce the desired results. In forest stands, the trees on under stocked sites tend to be large-crowned and low-grade for most wood products.

Stocking and Basal Area

Basal area can be quickly determined using optical instruments. This eliminates the establishment of plots and individual tree measurements. A wedge prism is commonly used to determine basal area. Light is distorted as it passes through the prism. This distortion causes objects that are viewed through the prism to be displaced toward the thin edge of the prism. The amount of displacement is related by a mathematical factor to basal area. A 10 factor prism is most common as it allows data collected from each sample point to be converted to an acre basis by multiplying by 10. Prisms are relatively inexpensive and can be obtained through forestry supply catalogues.

Prism Sampling Procedure

• Select sampling points within the timber stand. The number of sampling points depends on tract size, the variation in stocking and the degree of accuracy desired. The more sample points taken, the greater the accuracy.
• Hold the prism over the sample point at a comfortable distance from your eye, keeping the top edge of the prism horizontal (on level ground and slopes to 10 percent), and the face of the prism at right angles to your line of sight.
• Closing one eye, sight through the prism to each tree at breast height. Count the number of tally trees as you rotate the prism, not your eye, over the sample point.
• Multiply the number of trees tallied at the sample point by the basal area factor of the prism (10 for a 10 factor prism) to determine basal area in square feet per acre. Do this for each sample point; then average all sample points to get a basal area estimate for the tract.

Figure 5. How to determine which tree is in or out using a prism.

CROWN CLASS

Trees can be Dominant (tallest), Codominant (shares top of forest with another species), Intermediate (gets light filtered from higher trees), or Suppressed (lower trees, gets light filtered through all other trees.)

Commercial Forest Type Description

Pine Type

Across the state, pine represents our most important commercial forest resource. Pine stands are managed to produce a variety of forest products including pulp, poles, saw timber, naval stores, and pine straw. From the Piedmont north, loblolly pine and shortleaf pine are the most common species. In the Coastal Plain, slash pine, loblolly pine, and longleaf pine are found. In each region other less common pine species can occur.

Pines are relatively intolerant to shade and competition so regeneration success requires relatively clear open sites, thus new pine stands are generally regenerated as even-aged, that is all of the new regeneration is established within a short time. Planted stands will have seedlings established in a single year, while stands regenerated naturally from seed will have seedlings developing over 2 to 5 years.

Regeneration

Several harvest methods are well-suited for pine regeneration:

Clearcutting is the most common method of harvest and regeneration. After the mature trees are harvested, the site is prepared to plant using mechanical and/or herbicide treatments to remove or kill competing vegetation that would hinder the establishment, survival and growth of the pine seedlings. Generally, 500 to 700 seedlings per acre are planted.

Seed tree and Shelterwood methods use mature trees as the seed source for the new stand. The seed tree method leaves 6 to 10 trees per acre and the shelterwood 20 to 40 trees per acre (12 to 14 inch DBH trees preferred) to provide seeds to regenerate the stand. Understory woody and herbaceous vegetation must be controlled to insure prompt germination and growth of the seedlings. A series of prescribed burns at 2-year intervals before the seed tree or shelterwood cut will control most vegetation. Hardwoods greater than 3 to 5 inches DBH are generally too large to control with fire and may need a herbicide treatment. The decision to use seed tree versus shelterwood depends on species, market conditions, aesthetics and landowner preference. Twenty to forty trees per acre are needed to get good seed distribution over the site. Since the shelterwood method leaves more trees per acre than the seed tree method, it visually has less impact to the site, also more wood is left for the final harvest which may attract more buyers than a seed tree harvest.

For both methods, when 1,000 one-year old seedlings per acre have been established, the overstory seed trees should be removed. If stocking is more than 6,000 seedling per acre after seed tree removal, a precommercial thinning by mowing or chopping can be used leaving one-foot wide rows of seedlings on 8- to 10-foot centers. If densely overstocked stands are not thinned, tree growth rapidly diminishes.

Management

Intermediate treatments which include commercial thinning in planted and naturally regenerated pine stands, are common when average tree size reaches 5 inches DBH. Initial thinnings remove forked, crooked, and diseased pulpwood size stems leaving the best formed trees in the stand to grow into more valuable poles and saw timber. Additional thinning can be made on 5- to 7-year intervals until final harvest.

Fertilizers may be applied at the time of planting, particularly on wet sites deficient in phosphorus. The use of fertilization depends on site quality and understory conditions. Competition control is important otherwise nutrients may be tied up by herbaceous and woody vegetation. Fertilization is also recommended when pine straw is harvested on an annual basis. Nitrogen should be added every 4 to 5 years to maintain site productivity.

Herbicides are used in pine management for site preparation, herbaceous weed control, and for releasing established pines from woody competition. Prescribed fire is also an effective management tool for site preparation and reduction of competing vegetation. Carefully applied prescribed fires can be used to reduce competition, enhance appearance and access, improve habitat for select wildlife, reduce hazardous fuel buildup, and various other uses. Most stands receive their first prescribe burn when the trees are 6 years or older. Burning at 2- to 4-year intervals can effectively reduce competition from woody vegetation.

Oak-Pine Type

This type is found from the Mountains into the Coastal Plain, upland oaks (see oak-hickory type) make up 50 to 75 percent of the stand, with pine constituting 25 to 50 percent of the stocking. This type is one of the transitional stages from pine dominated forests to climax forests of oak and other hardwoods. As pine is harvested or dies from lightning strikes, wind throw, insects and disease, the more tolerant hardwoods claim their place at the expense of pine regeneration. As the pine component continues to decline, the type shifts to oak-hickory.

Regeneration

Clearcutting followed by site preparation for conversion to pine is commonly practiced (see pine type). Generally hardwood densities preclude the use of seed tree and shelterwood methods for pine regeneration unless the hardwoods are controlled by prescribed fire or herbicides.

Group selection harvests creating small openings up to ¹/₂ acre in size will result in hardwood regeneration with some scattered pine. Openings can be planted with pine seedlings followed by herbicide release treatments to increase the valuable pine component.

Management

Several management tools can be used to maintain this type. Commercial thinning and release treatments aimed to promote growth of pine and the more desirable hardwoods in conjunction with group selection regeneration cuts can rehabilitate and maintain the type. These mixed stands are aesthetically pleasing, present low risk to many insect and disease problems, and have commercial value since both pine and hardwood stumpage is in demand across the state. Prescribed fire is not normally recommended, but may be useful in some site preparation activities. Overall, the management of this type requires good inventory data and careful marking and harvesting practices. Past treatments have generally lead to the decline of the type because of exclusive removal of only the most valuable individual trees without providing for regeneration and improvement of the residual stand.

Oak-Hickory Type

This type can contain a variety of oak and other associated species. Common are souther