When it comes to forest management, trees are harvested for various reasons. These include improving the forest’s health, controlling the tree types that grow on the site, making wood for producing paper, lumber, and other forest products, and attracting specific wildlife species to the site.
Just as there are several reasons for harvesting trees, many methods exist. Each has its own set of benefits, drawbacks, and conditions. And no one harvesting method is ideal for all situations.
In this article, we’ll discuss some methods of timber extraction.
With timber extraction, there are three significant practices — clearcutting, shelterwood, and selection systems. Each timber harvesting practice is different and is applied to specific forest types. However, they do have a few things in common:
Clearcutting is a forest extraction method for seedlings or sprouts that require full sunlight. Seeds and buds respond well to warm ground, and abundant light ensures growth. The most common tree species in these forests are aspen, paper birch, and jack pine.
With the clearcut method, unhealthy stands are converted to healthy, productive forests, allowing forest managers to control the tree species that grow on the site. And while a clearcut removes all canopy cover, it’s effective for creating habitat for various wildlife species.
In addition, clearcutting is a solid forest management tool because it creates edges — where two habitat types or ages of the same habitat meet. Since edges provide access to more than one habitat, they have more diverse wildlife communities.
The shelterwood harvest method removes mature trees over two to three harvests in 10 to 15 years. This method allows the regeneration of many shade-tolerant species. Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and cherry can produce and maintain seedlings or sprouts under a cut stand in light shade. However, younger trees will only grow or fully develop once the remaining trees are removed.
One of the most significant benefits of shelterwood harvests is that they offer cover and food sources for wildlife. However, this harvesting method is not recommended for trees with shallow root systems because the remaining trees are susceptible to wind damage. In addition, shelterwood cuts require more roads to be built through the forest, increasing soil disturbance risk.
Selection harvesting is complex because when trees become dense, forest health risk increases. By removing the higher-risk trees and leaving trees with higher potential, you significantly improve the quality and character of the forest. The partially open canopy lets light in to accelerate individual tree health and allow seedlings to grow. The young trees replace the older trees as they die or are harvested.
The thing with selection harvesting is that shade-tolerant tree species make it harder for selection management to work well. Another thing to consider is that serious damage can be done to the forest when the wrong trees are selected for harvest.
We are a licensed timber extraction company working with landowners in Indiana and across the Midwest to provide the highest return possible for standing timber. Phoenix Mat produces high-quality wood products such as crane mats for enterprises in the energy sector, including gas, oil, and wind. Because we operate from timber harvesting to production, we can offer unparalleled prices to landowners.
Reach out to the Phoenix Mat to learn more about our services and range and get a free quote for timber harvesting.
