Are you considering establishing a pine plantation on your property this year? Or planting pines as part of a native plant community restoration? If you’re not familiar with the process the task can seem daunting. Calhoun County Senior Forester with the Florida Forest Service offers tips for establishing your pine forest this year.
“There are many variables to consider when preparing to plant trees including, site prep, choosing the correct species when to order and planting methods,” said Philip Garrett, Calhoun County Senior Forester. “Contacting your local county foresters to help with these decisions can help you steer clear of costly unnecessary practices.”
Planting pines begins with proper site preparation such as mulching, drum chopping, herbicide application, and burning. These initial steps are critical for seedling survival, but can be very expensive so choosing the appropriate method for your property will be essential. There are many cost-share opportunities available through state and federal programs to assist landowners with reforestation and management. It is important to explore these options and choose the program suitable to meet the landowner’s specific objectives.
Another important consideration is choosing the correct pine species for your soil type and management objectives. Some common species in our area are slash, longleaf and loblolly pine. Not only is the correct species critical but also planting at the correct density. For instance, higher densities are typically favored for pine straw operations while a lower density is better if timber and/or wildlife is your top objective.
Also, it’s important to order your seedlings early as nurseries sell out quickly. Depending on what type of seedling (bare-root or containerized) and the species you order, choosing the correct planting method (hand or machine) is very important. Improperly planted seedlings can result in poor survival which in turn results in a poor return on your investment.
A properly established and managed forest can be a great investment for you and your family. For more information or guidance through the process, contact Philip Garrett at (850) 628-6755 or email Philip.Garrett@FreshFromFlorida.com.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.