08/08

OAKWOOD FORESTRY CONSULTING, LLC

P.O. BOX 37

SAUK CITY , WI .  53583

(608)643-4140 or CALL TOLL FREE : 1-800-526-9653                         

CROP TREE RELEASE (TSI)

Works with younger trees that have diameters from 2 - 12 inches at breast height (dbh) to improve the growth rate, form and future quality.  This is done by selectively killing those trees which interfere with the growth and development of the desired tree (crop tree). 

 Primary benefits of Crop Tree Release are :

 Þ    Faster growth rates occurring on the highest quality trees in the woods

Þ    Substantial reduction in the time it takes to produce timber suitable for a commercial timber sale (enhances timber investment opportunity)

Þ    Future timber sales consist of a higher percentage of veneer quality trees and therefore greater timber income

Þ    Eliminates low vigor, poor quality trees so the remaining stand of trees will be healthier and thus more resistant to insect and disease attacks

Þ    Wildlife, recreational and aesthetic objectives of the landowner are incorporated into the selection of trees not killed by TSI

SITE PREPARATION FOR NATURAL REGENERATION (TSI)

For woodland that has been harvested or will be in the near future.  The woodland must have good potential to naturally regenerate desirable tree species.  The primary purpose is to eliminate competition from the effect of shade upon new tree growth (regeneration) which develops after the harvest.  When a forest is harvested in southern Wisconsin it is often limited to the trees that are large enough to yield commercial forest products, i.e., those greater than 4" chest height diameter (dbh).  This means that there can be an uncut residual stand of trees smaller than 4" dbh.  It is not unusual to find that this residual stand consists of less than desirable species, such as, Ironwood or Elm.  These species produce shade on the forest floor which restricts the growth and development of new seedlings.  Also, the shade is a negative factor in the attempt to naturally regenerate more Oak species as the Oak needs full sunlight to grow.

Primary Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration benefits are :

 Þ    Faster development of a new trees which reduces time to next harvest

Þ    New trees will have better form and therefore higher future values

Þ    Forest is healthier and genetically superior when poor species are eliminated

Þ    Oak species may occupy a higher percentage of the future stand

Þ   Wildlife, recreational and aesthetic objectives of the landowner will be incorporated into the selection of  trees remaining in the residual stand

INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL

When a woodlot contains invasive species, e.g., garlic mustard, buckthorn, honey suckle the ability of desirable plants to reproduce can be severely impeded.  Seedling tree growth and wildlife habitat often fall prey to invasive species.  Identifying, making a plan and implementing the plan to control invasive species is a critical step towards accomplishing long term forest management objectives.

Our method to accomplish Crop Tree Release, Site Preparation for Natural Regeneration or Invasive Species Control Includes cutting down, girdling or killed standing.  Often herbicides (approved for forestry use) are used so no re-sprouting occurs.  One of our foresters will oversee the process.

CROP TREE RELEASE, SITE PREPARATION FOR NATURAL REGENERATION OR INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL COST TO THE LANDOWNER

Typically on a fee per acre.  Cost sharing from the Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program can pay up to 50% of the charge Oakwood Forestry Consulting bills.  With cost sharing a typical landowner cost is $100 – 200.00 per acre.  It is common that a timber sale will be associated with this service from which sale funds assist paying your cost.  PLEASE NOTE :  Cost sharing assistance is dependent upon DNR forester decisions and available funds.