North Carolina's hardwood forests represent a valuable resource. Growing, harvesting and regenerating commercial hardwood trees are normal practices provided that favorable soils & species are present. Dan Edwards is able to evaluate existing hardwood stands and advise landowners on the likely results from various forestry practices. Partial or selective harvests can be a good practice if poor quality trees are cut in addition to a portion of the high quality trees. Full sunlight within a forest as the result of clearcutting or heavy "patch" harvesting creates better regeneration of yellow poplar. Hardwood timber prices continue to improve at a faster pace than pine prices. Every landowner should seek sound advice before harvesting a hardwood stand.
Oaks are regenerated from seed (acorns) and from stump sprouts. There are many oak species that grow naturally on specific soils. White oaks are deeply rooted and can survive many years. The acorns are favored by turkey & deer. We like to leave a portion of the white oaks during partial/selective harvests because they are durable and can withstand wind and soil compaction. Red oaks generally grow faster than white oaks but are less deeply rooted. Care is taken during marking timber to leave only those red oaks that exhibit good form and appear vigorous. If landowners wish to have oaks in their future forest, it is advisable to leave a portion of the oaks standing during logging. Oak regeneration is a slow process and it is better to work with the existing oak stand rather than plant seedlings or expect successful natural regeneration.
Yellow Poplar or Tulip Poplar are fast growing hardwood trees that regenerate easily from seed on the ground and from stump sprouts. Sunlight is absolutely necessary for the new seedlings to survive and develop, although 100% sunlight does not seem to be required. Red clay, highly fertile land produces high-yield poplar stands in 35-50 years.
These trees are considered "mixed hardwoods" that traditionally have had less value than oak & poplar timber. But this trend is changing as the demand for hardwood products increase.
There is a trade-off between the fast growth of pines and the quality growth of hardwoods. As prices for hardwood timber continue to climb, landowners should leave a portion of their land as a hardwood forest. Foresters should develop viable thinning crews for hardwood stands which will increase overall growth and value.
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