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Wild
Grapevines
As
children, many of us thrived on the adventure that could be created
from a woodland full of grapevines to swing on. As adults, just
remembering conjures up visits to our chiropractor!
Typically,
most landowners have paid little attention to grapevines in their
woodland. they may cut an occasional one to create a door wreath or
other decoration. But by and large, most vines have been left to
grow. With each periodic round of timber harvesting, the vines were
ignored. After the harvest, they advance slowly, but persistently,
in their quest to conquer the woodland.
As they spread, they
begin to compete with trees for life-giving sunlight. In addition,
their weight often disfigures the shape of crop trees. In heavy ice
or snow storms, or even a strong wind, they can even cause tree tops
to burst out. Their spread after a harvest can suppress the growth
of new seedlings, having a long-term effect on future timber
income.
To ensure diversity and balance in your woodland,
some vines are necessary. Grapes come from grapevines and are a
source of food for wildlife, particularly when other food sources
are slim. Given this, it is normally wise to leave vines along the
edge of the woodland, near creeks, and in permanent wildlife den
trees. A variety of birds and animals will be
grateful.
Landowners, take heed! Wild grapevines, if left
uncontrolled, can harm the future productivity and return on your
timber investment.
Cull Trees
Trees that are hollow, deformed, have large, "wolfy" tops and
short trunks, or that have been damaged by time and weather and are
showing signs of decay have very little market value at the time of
a harvest. As a result, these trees are rarely cut when timber is
sold (they are often not even worth the time it takes the purchaser
to log them).
When these trees are left in a forest, they not
only block sunlight and growing space from good crop trees with
potential for higher future values, they can also reseed the area
with poorer stock of trees. After generations of timber harvesting
where these poor specimens were left behind, some woodlots may
contain many, if not mostly, low value or cull trees.
But
all is not lost. A good management program can usually turn most
woodlots around. Through proper management practices, including a
regimen of TSI for cull removal, a poor woodland can become a good
investment once again.
FMS is experienced at the following
TSI practices:
- Deadening the "cull" trees and vines to release crop trees.
- Thinning trees to a proper spacing for faster growth.
- Completing forest openings to allow new seedlings to grow.
- Pruning lower limbs on some species to create veneer.
Think of your timber as a savings account. TSI increases the
growth rate of your timber, thus improving its rate of return (or
interest rate). If you are serious about your capital investments,
you seek the counsel of a professional advisor. If you are
interested in maximizing your timber
investment, you need an expert who knows how to plan and apply sound
forestry. At Forest Management Services, Inc., we help you carry out
your management goals.
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