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Purdue Extension 1 4-H 643 Woodland Management 4-H Project Manual
Purdue Extension 1
4-H 643
Woodland Management 4-H Project Manual
Purdue Extension 2
WELCOME TO THE FORESTRY PROJECT!
Forestry is one of the most fascinating subjects you can study and learn. Your interest in 4-H forestry and the knowledge you will acquire could lead to a
rewarding career or business. Even though you may never own a tract of forest, a knowledge of trees and woodland management is helpful in many other
professions and will lead to greater enjoyment of the outdoors. This is the third manual of the Indiana 4-H Forestry series. This series includes: Introductory Forestry, General Forestry, and this manual, Woodland Management. These manuals contain the following topics:
Introductory ForestryLearning about Trees
Using and Protecting Our Forests
General ForestryHerbarium Collection-Trees
Tree Planting Learning about Tree Seeds
Wood and Its Uses Forest Insects and Diseases
Herbarium Collection-Shrubs
YOU ARE HERE ► Woodland Management Log and Tree Measurement
Timber Inventory Timberstand Improvement
Timber Harvesting and Marketing Preparing a Management Plan
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Woodland Management by William L. Fix, Retired Extension Forester, and Richard A. Battaglia, Extension 4-H / Youth Specialist
Revised by Natalie Carroll, Extension Youth Specialist
Log and Tree Measurement It is necessary to know how to measure trees and logs to effectively manage a woodland. Most timber is sold standing, and the usable volume is estimated in the tree. Familiarity with the units and methods of measurement enable the owner to be knowledgeable in the valuation of a timber crop and products to be marketed. The board-foot is the common unit of measurement used in measuring standing trees, sawlogs, and lumber. A number of different “log rules” have been developed to predict the board-foot contents of a log in terms of 1-inch lumber. In Indiana the Doyle log rule is used by wood-using Industries in purchasing trees and logs. This rule is based upon a mathematical formula which in its simplest form is V=(D-4)2 in which V is the volume in board-feet of a log 16 feet long and D is the diameter in inches inside the bark at the small end. The volumes for other log lengths are in direct proportion to the length. This rule tends to underestimate the volume of small logs and overestimate the volume of large logs. Volumes for various log lengths and diameters are compiled and printed on log cards and tables as shown in Table 1. How to Measure Logs Three things must be known to determine the number of board-feet in a log. These are the diameter, the length, and the amount of defect, if any. The diameter is always measured at the small end of the log and inside the bark to the nearest whole inch. If the diameter is greater on one axis than the other, the long axis and short axis should be averaged. For example, if a log measures 16 inches on the short axis and 20 inches on the
long axis, the average diameter would be 18 inches (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Measuring log diameter on the long and short axes. Log lengths are measured to the next lower whole foot. This is because lumber is always cut to whole foot lengths. However, logs should be cut an extra 4 inches long to allow for squaring up the ends of the boards. Defects such as crooks, decay, and fire scars reduce the volume of lumber that can be sawed from a log (Figures 2 and 3). Allow-ance for defect is made by subtracting the number of board-feet lost from the gross volume.
Figure 2. The portion marked “X” is the part lost because of the crook.
Figure 3. The dotted lines indicate the extent of the hollow at the large end of the log.
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Table 1. Doyle Log Rule
Doyle Log Rule Diameter (Small end of log inside bark)
Length of Log (feet)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Inches Volume (board feet)
8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 9 11 13 14 16 17 19 20 22 23 25
10 13 16 18 20 23 25 27 29 32 34 36
11 18 21 25 27 31 34 37 40 43 46 49 12 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64 13 30 35 41 45 51 55 61 66 71 76 81 14 38 44 50 56 63 69 75 81 99 94 100 15 45 53 61 68 76 83 91 98 106 113 121
16 54 63 72 81 90 99 108 117 126 135 144 17 63 74 85 95 106 116 127 137 148 158 169 18 73 85 98 110 123 135 147 159 172 183 196 19 85 98 113 127 141 155 169 183 197 211 225 20 96 112 128 144 160 176 192 208 224 240 256
21 108 126 145 162 181 199 217 235 253 271 289 22 121 142 162 182 203 223 243 263 284 303 324 23 135 156 181 203 226 248 271 293 316 336 361 24 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 325 350 375 400 25 165 193 221 248 276 303 331 358 386 413 441
26 181 212 242 272 303 334 363 393 424 458 484 27 198 231 265 297 331 363 397 430 463 496 529 28 216 252 288 324 360 396 432 468 504 540 576 29 235 273 313 352 391 430 469 508 547 586 625 30 253 295 338 380 423 465 507 549 592 633 676
31 273 319 365 410 456 502 547 592 638 683 729 32 294 343 392 441 490 539 588 637 686 735 784 33 315 368 421 473 526 578 631 684 736 789 841 34 337 394 450 506 563 619 675 731 788 844 900 35 360 420 481 540 601 661 721 781 841 901 961
36 384 448 512 576 640 704 768 832 896 960 1024 37 408 476 545 613 681 749 817 884 953 1021 1089 38 433 505 578 650 723 795 867 939 1012 1083 1156 39 459 535 613 689 766 842 919 996 1072 1149 1225 40 486 566 648 729 810 891 972 1053 1134 1215 1296
Timber owners can most easily allow for defects by estimating the part of the log which will be lost. For example, if an 18-inch 14-foot log is estimated one-fifth defective, the gross scale of 172 board-feet (Doyle Log Rule) is reduced by one-fifth or 34 board-feet for a net scale of 138 board-feet. It is not ordinarily necessary to deduct for surface scars which will be removed in the slab.
When logs are sold, they are graded as well as measured. The quality of hardwood lumber that
can be produced from a log depends upon the number, size, and location of knots in the sawed board. Logs with few knots or other defects grade the highest. The higher grade logs are in greatest demand and have a much higher value than the lower grades. Price differentials among log grades are given in Indiana Marketing and Utilization Reports. Log measurements and grade are recorded on a tally sheet as shown in Table 2.
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How to Measure Trees Since the logs cannot be directly measured in a standing tree, their volume must be estimated. Tree measuring sticks have been developed to aid in making this estimate more accurate. The tree measuring stick is used to determine the tree diameter breast high (DBH or 4.5 feet above the ground) and the number of logs in the tree. After allowing for defects, these measurements are referred to a tree volume table to obtain the number of board feet in the tree. The blueprint form you will use to make a tree measuring stick has the tree volume table printed on it. Record the species, tree DBH, usable height, and volume on a timber estimate tally sheet as shown in Table 3. (See Purdue's Media Distribution Service publication, FNR-4, How to Make and Use a Tree Measuring Stick for more information. This publication is available at your county Extension office or on the Internet at www.ces.purdue.edu/new/.
How to Measure Tree Diameter (DBH) Tree diameter is measured using the scale labeled 25-inch Reach-Diameter in Inches (Figure 4). Place the stick against the tree with the Tree Measuring Stick side toward you and the zero end to your left as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Hold it at 4.5 feet above the ground, tangent and perpendicular to the tree, exactly 25 inches from your eye to the tree (length of the stick). Slide the stick to the left or right until you sight past the zero end and can just see the left side of the tree, including the bark. Without moving your head or the stick, glance at the number on the stick where your line of sight cuts the right side of the tree, including the bark. This number is the diameter of the tree. Measure the largest and smallest diameters. The average of these two measurements is the tree diameter. Where a large number of trees are to be measured, one measurement on the same side of each tree is satisfactory.
Table 2. Log scaling—tally sheet.
Log Scaling—Tally Sheet Name ____________________________________ Location________________________________________ Date _____________________________________ Measured by ____________________________________
Species
Log
D.I.B.
Log
Length
Log
Grade
Net. Log Volume Bd. Ft. (Doyle)
Species
Log
D.I.B.
Log
Length
Log
Grade
Net Log Volume Bd. Ft. (Doyle)
Hickory 15” 14” 79 W. Oak 18 16 98
Table 3. Timber estimate—tally sheet.
Timber Estimate—Tally Sheet For estimating standing trees
Name ____________________________________ Location________________________________________ Date _____________________________________ Estimator _______________________________________
Species
Tree
D.B.H.
Usable Height in
12-foot Logs
Volume In Bd.Ft. (Doyle)
Species
Tree
D.B.H.
Usable Height in
12-foot Logs
Volume In Bd. Ft. (Doyle)
W. Oak 20” 3 270
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Figure 4. The blueprint form used to measure treee diameter is labeled “Tree Measuring Stick.”
How to Estimate 12-foot Logs Pace off 50 feet from the base of the tree and face the tree as shown in Figure 8. Grasp the stick between the fingers at a point about 2 inches above the base. This permits you to sight under the base of the stick to a point where the stump should be cut. Hold the
stick straight up and down at exactly 25 inches from the your eye with the scale, “50 Feet from Tree-Height in 12-foot Logs,” toward you (Figures 8, 9, and 10). With the base of the stick even with the stump height (about 1.5 feet) and without moving your head or the stick, sight past the right side of the stick to the tree. The points marked 1, 2, 3, and 4 indicate the top of 12-foot logs. Measure the usable height only, that is, to a minimum of 8 inches diameter at the top or to a usable limit, as indicated by heavy branches, forks, etc. How to Obtain Tree Volumes After the tree DBH and number of 12-foot logs have been determined, the volume can be read from the tree measuring stick using the scale labeled “Volume in Board Feet – Doyle Rule” (Figures 4 and 10). Assume that the tree diameter is 20 inches and has two logs up the usable limit. Looking at the scale illustrated in Figure 10, we see in the lower left space under the 20-inch diameter that a tree with two 12-foot logs contains 200 board-feet. Likewise, if it had contained three logs, it would have been 270 board-feet; and if it had four logs, the volume would be 340 board feet, etc.
Figure 5. A cross section view of a 20-inch tree illustrates the position of the tree measuring stick to measure diameter.
Figure 6. Diameter breast high (DBH) is measured 4.5 feet above the ground, a convenient and standard point of measurment.
Figure 7. Estimating usable height with the tree measuring stick.
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References Available from The Education Store, Purdue Agriculture (www.agriculture.purdue.edu/store) • Forestry and Wildlife Management
Assistance Available to Indiana Woodland Owners: Providers and Programs, FNR-87.
• How to Make and Use the Tree Measuring Stick, FNR-4.
Making a Timber Inventory The purpose of timber inventory is to locate and state the quantity of timber in a woodland according to species, size, quality, possible products, value, or other characteristics. This information provides a base for planning future management and timber sales. Planning the Inventory The time needed for making an inventory and its resulting cost depend upon the details and degree of precision required. The method presented is designed to provide you adequate information for preparing a simple management plan and marketing guide for farm woodlands. A map indicating the acreage and boundaries is essential for the fieldwork. Maps drawn to scale may be prepared from field measurements or from aerial photographs available on-line and from
Figure 8. Usable height is estimated by projecting lines of sight from the eye past the height scale on the tree measuring stick to the tree.
Figure 9. The form used to estimate usable height is labeled “50 feet from the tree—height in 12-foot logs.”
Figure 10. A close-up view of the scale showing volumes in board-feet of 20-inch trees having 1, 2, 3, or 4 logs 12 feet long.
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county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service offices or the Soil and Water Conservation Service. Needed for fieldwork: a tree measuring stick, clipboard, tally sheets, pencils, hand ax, (and paint if trees will be numbered or the DBH paint marked). If sample plots are to be located systematically, you will need a compass to locate plot line direction and a 50- or 100-foot tape or rope to measure plot radius. Sampling Methods Small woodlands may be inventoried by counting and measuring all trees above a minimum diameter (Figure 11). Minimum diameters of 5 inches for poles or 11 inches if only sawtimber trees are tallied). However, the high cost of 100 percent inventories in larger tracts necessitates using sample plots. Circular .2-acre plots have been widely used in sawtimber stands. The plots may be located systematically, i.e., at equidistant intervals on parallel lines. For example, 4 lines 5 chains apart with plots at 4-chain intervals on a “forty” would give 20 plots (4 acres) or a 10 percent sample 4/40 = 1/10. Plot lines should run at right angles to valleys and ridges. Distances between plot centers and plot lines may be measured with a tape or by pacing. When 0.2-acre plots are used, all trees within a radius of 52.7 feet of the plot center are counted; for 0.1-acre plots the radius is 37.2 feet. If one-half or more of a tree is within the plot boundary, it is counted. It is customary to begin counting trees from the north and tally in a clockwise direction around the plot center. Permanent sample plots are very useful in obtaining changes in individual tree growth and volumes over a period of years. The plot center should be located from two witness trees with a metal stake, and the DBH point of each tree tallied should be marked by a horizontal line 4-6 inches long with a good outside white paint. Individual tree growth may be obtained by numbering the trees.
Generally, only sawtimber size trees (11 inches DBH and larger) are numbered. The numbers and DBH marks should face the plot center. If you are making a 100 percent inventory, tally trees on narrow strips (30 to 50 feet wide) extending from one side of the woodland to the other (Figure 12). As each tree is tallied it should be marked in some way so it will not be counted twice. If a horizontal mark 4 to 6 inches long is placed at 4.5 feet with paint or a bark scribe, future DBH measurements can be taken at the same point. All trees should be marked on the same side so that the marks can be seen from the adjacent strip. In small woodlands some owners prefer to count all sawtimber size trees (over 11 or 13 inches DBH) and use 0.1-acre plots to sample pole size trees (5 to 10 inches DBH). By having a 100 percent inventory of sawtimber trees, it is much easier to correlate species volumes harvested with periodic inventory volumes. Foresters frequently use point sampling as a sampling method. A series of sampling points are selected similar to that of 0.1- or .0.2- acre plots. The estimator sights on the DBH of every tree visible from the point with a wedge prism and tallies trees that are larger than the projected angle. After gaining experience with fixed area plots (0.1, 0.2-acre plots), you might wish to refer to publications on point sampling for future use.
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Figure 11. Sketch map of a small forest.
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Figure 12. Cruise strips for a 100 percent
inventory. Collecting Individual Tree Data Information to record for each tree tallied should include (1) species or species group (white oaks, red oaks, maples), (2) diatmeter at 4.5 feet above the average ground level
(DBH), and (3) volume in board-feet of trees 11+ inches DBH. (See Tally Sheets, Table 4.) Tree diameters are usually measured by 2-inch classes and tree heights to the nearest 12- or 16- foot log length. The gross board-foot volume taken from the tree measuring stick or a tree volume table should be reduced by the percentage estimated unusable because of decay or other defects. Trees over 50 percent defective are considered culls. Details on how to measure trees are given in the project “Log and Tree Measurement.” Veneer quality trees should be estimated by individual logs for valuation. (See Log Estimate Tally Sheet, Table 4).
Table 4. Tally sheets for estimating individual trees.
Tree Estimate Method Name__________________________________________ Date _________________________________________________ Location _______________________________________ Estimator _____________________________________________ Cruise percent ___________________________________ Plot No. ______________________________________________
Tree No. Species Tree DBH No. 12 ft logs Volume bd.ft. (Doyle)
Remarks
1 Ash 22 3 360 1 Veneer Log
2 Beech 16 2 110
Individual Log Estimate Method Name__________________________________________ Date _________________________________________________ Cruise percent ___________________________________ Plot No. ______________________________________________
Tree No. Species Log length (ft.)
DIB small end Log grade Volume Volume per tree
1 B.WOL. 10 20 P 160 10 19 1 141 8 18 1 98 10 16 2 90 12 14 3 75 564
Summarizing the Field Tally (stand and stock tables) A STAND TABLE shows the number of trees per acre by species and DBH classes (Table 5). The total number of trees in each DBH class divided by the number of acres sampled gives the average number per acre. The number
of trees per acre in each class may be compared with the number recommended in stocking guides in management handbooks to determine which diameter classes are over or understocked. A STOCK TABLE gives the volume per acre by species and DBH classes (Table 6).
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Table 5. A stand table showing the species and number of trees by 2-inch diameter classes, per acre basis.
DBH (inches)
Ash
Beech
Hickory
Maple
W.
Oaks
R. Oaks
Other species*
Cull
Total
Number of trees 6 2.0 8.0 12.0 3.0 25.0 8 3.0 6.0 11.0 20.0
10 2.0 5.0 8.0 15.0 12 9.0 3.0 12.0 14 1.0 .5 3.5 1.0 .5 2.0 .5 9.0 16 .5 2.0 .5 1.0 .5 1.5 .5 .5 7.0 18 1.0 1.5 2.5 5.0 20 .5 2.0 1.0 .5 4.0 22 .5 2.0 .5 3.0 24 1.0 1.0
Total 8.5 5.0 21.5 51.0 3.0 5.5 5.5 1.0 101.0 *Other species include honeylocust, Ohio buckeye, and ironwood.
Table 6. A stock table showing the sawtimber volume by species and 2-inch diameter classes, per acre basis.
DBH (inches)
Ash
Beech
Hickory
Maple
W. Oaks
R. Oaks
Other species*
Total
Board feet Doyle 10 20 70 100 190 12 320 110 430 14 80 40 390 80 40 150 780 16 70 280 70 140 70 210 60 900 18 210 300 520 1030 20 50 530 290 120 1040 22 70 740 160 970 24 460 460
Total 300 940 480 2790 600 480 210 5800 *Other species include honeylocust, Ohio buckeye, and ironwood.
Table 7. Number of trees and basal area per acre by 2-inch diameter classes.
DBH inches
Trees number
Basal area square feet
6 25 4.9 8 20 7.0 10 15 8.2 12 12 9.4 14 9 9.6 16 7 9.8 18 5 8.8 20 4 8.7 22 3 7.9 24 1 3.1
Total 101 77.4
BASAL AREA per acre is frequently used to guide the management of a timber stand. Basal area is the area in square feet of the cross section of a tree stem at DBH. The basal area for each diameter class is calculated by multiplying the basal area of one tree by the number of trees per acre in the class. The sum of the basal areas for all diameter classes is the total basal area per acre. In Table 7 the basal area for the trees 5 inches DBH and larger is given as 77.4 square feet (total). Tables are available which give the basal area for trees of various diameters (see Table 8). Estimating the Stumpage Value of TimberSawtimber value can be estimated by using stumpage prices from recent sales of similar species and quality, including logging and hauling costs. Prices and logging costs for
veneer and sawlogs are reported in The Woodland Steward (www.inwoodlands.org/)
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Table 8. Areas of circles in square feet for diameters in inches.
Dia 0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 4 0.087 0.092 0.096 0.101 0.106 0.110 0.115 0.120 0.126 0.131 5 0.136 0.142 0.147 0.153 0.159 0.165 0.171 0.177 0.183 0.190 6 0.196 0.203 0.210 0.216 0.223 0.230 0.238 0.245 0.252 0.260 7 0.267 0.275 0.283 0.291 0.299 0.307 0.315 0.323 0.332 0.340 8 0.349 0.358 0.367 0.376 0.385 0.394 0.403 0.413 0.422 0.432 9 0.442 0.452 0.462 0.472 0.482 0.492 0.503 0.513 0.524 0.535
10 0.545 0.556 0.567 0.579 0.590 0.601 0.613 0.624 0.636 0.648
11 0.660 0.672 0.684 0.696 0.709 0.721 0.734 0.747 0.759 0.772 12 0.785 0.799 0.812 0.825 0.839 0.852 0.866 0.880 0.894 0.903 13 0.922 0.936 0.950 0.965 0.979 0.994 1.009 1.024 1.039 1.054 14 1.069 1.084 1.100 1.115 1.131 1.147 1.163 1.179 1.195 1.211 15 1.227 1.244 11.260 1.277 1.294 1.310 1,327 1.344 1.362 1.379
16 1.396 1.414 1.431 1.449 1.467 1.485 1.503 1.521 1.539 1.558 17 1.576 1.595 1.614 1.632 1.651 1.670 1.689 1.709 1.728 1.748 18 1.767 1.787 1.807 1.827 1.847 1.867 1.887 1.907 1.928 1.948 19 1.969 1.990 2.011 2.032 2.053 2.074 2.095 2.117 2.138 2.160 20 2.182 2.204 2,226 2.248 2.270 2.292 2.315 2.337 2.360 2.382
21 2.405 2.428 2.451 2.474 2.498 2.521 2.545 2.568 2.592 2.616 22 2.640 2.664 2.688 2.712 2.737 2.761 2.786 2.810 2.835 2.860 23 2.885 2.910 2.936 2.961 2.986 3.012 3.038 3.064 3.089 3.115 24 3.142 3.168 3.194 3.221 3.247 3.274 3.301 3.328 3.355 3.382 25 3.409 3.486 3.464 3.491 3.519 3.547 3.574 3.602 3.631 3.659
26 3.687 3.715 3.744 3.773 3.801 3.830 3.859 3.888 3.917 3.947 27 3.976 4.006 4.035 4.065 4.095 4.125 4.155 4.185 4.215 4.246 28 4.276 4.307 4.337 4.368 4.399 4.430 4.461 4.493 4.524 4.555 29 4.587 4.619 4.650 4.682 4.714 4.746 4.779 4.811 4.844 4.876 30 4.909 4.942 4.974 5.007 5.041 5.074 5.107 5.140 5.174 5.208
31 5.241 5.275 5.309 5.343 5.378 5.412 5.446 5.481 5.515 5.550 32 5.585 5.620 0.50 5.690 5.726 5.761 5.796 5.832 5.863 5.904 33 5.940 5.976 6.012 6.048 6.084 6.121 6.158 6.194 6.231 6.268 34 6.305 6.342 6.379 6.417 6.454 6.492 6.529 6.567 6.605 6.643 35 6.681 6,720 6.758 6.796 6.835 6.874 6.912 6.951 6.990 7.029
36 7.069 7.108 17.147 7.187 7.227 7.266 7.306 7.346 7.386 7.426 37 7.467 7.507 7.548 7.588 7.629 7.760 7.711 7.752 7.793 7.834 38 7.876 7.917 7.959 8.001 8.042 8.084 8.126 8.169 8.211 8.253 39 8.296 8.338 8.381 8.424 8.467 8.510 8.553 8.596 8.640 8.683 40 8.727 8.770 8.814 8.858 8.902 8.946 8.990 9.035 9.079 9.124
41 9.168 9.213 9.258 9.303 9.348 9.393 9.439 9.484 9.530 9.575 42 9.021 10 9.713 9.759 9.805 9.852 9.893 9.945 9.991 10.038 43 10.085 10.132 10.179 10.226 10.273 10.321 10.368 10.416 10.463 10.511 44 10.559 10.607 10.665 10.704 10.752 10.801 10.849 10.898 10.947 10.996 45 11.045 11.094 11.143 11.192 11.242 11.291 11.341 11.391 11.441 11.491
46 11.541 11.591 11.642 11.692 11.743 11.793 11.844 11.895 11.946 11.997 47 12.048 12.100 12.151 12.203 12.254 12.306 12.358 12.410 12.462 12.514 48 12.566 12.619 12.671 12.724 12.777 12.830 12.882 12.936 12.989 13.042 49 13.095 13.149 13.203 13.256 13.310 13.364 13.418 13.472 13.527 13.581 50 13.635 13.690 13.745 13.800 13.854 13.909 13.965 14.020 14.075 14.131
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Exercise: Making a Timber Inventory • Make a timber inventory of 5 or more
acres of woodland following one of the methods described in tbis project.
• Sketch, to scale, a map of the woodland to be inventoried. The map should show wnought detail to locate roads, trails, open areas, burned-over sreas, streams, and ditches. The map must give the owner’s name, number of acres, scale, a north direction arrow, and legend for map features. (See Figure 11.)
• Prepare STAND and STOCK tables from your inventory field data.
• Take two inventory photographs of the woodland inventory in progress.
Timberstand Improvement
The growth and quality of immature crop trees in Indiana woodlands can be improved through various intermediate cuttings requiring an outright investment referred to as timberstand improvement (TSI). Research has shown TSI investments on productive sites are highly profitable. TSI can also enhance the aesthetic and wildlife values of woodlands. Timberstand Improvement Practices Timberstand improvement practices are designed to improve the species composition, growth, and quality of crop trees in immature timberstands. The practices are most profitable in pole (5 to 11-inch DBH) and small sawtimber (11 to 15-inch DBH) stands on productive sites. Weed species, crooked, defective, or low vigor trees are removed where competing with crop trees for moisture, sunlight, and soil nutrients. Trees removed in TSI are good sources of firewood. Trees not usable may be deadened with herbicies although active den trees should be left for wildlife protection. Dense woods borders should be left for wind protection and wildlife travel lanes.
Improvement practices include CLEANING including “weeding,” LIBERATION CUTTING, IMPROVEMENT CUTTING, SALVAGE CUTTING, and PRUNING. The general application of each practice is described below.
CLEANINGS are cuttings in sapling stands to free the higher value trees from supressin by undesirable trees of similar age, shrubs, and climbing vines. Herbicides may be used to deaden undesirable trees by frilling or stump treatment. Codominant and strong intermediate trees 20 to 30 feet tall should be selected 15 to 20 feet apart for release. Stump sprouts should be thinned to one or two best stems. Tree originating from seed and seedling sprouts should be favored over sprouts from large or high stumps. “Weeding” denotes tge removal of all plants competing with the crop species by cultivation or herbicide treatment. The practice is commonly used in newly-established plantations by controlling weeds and grasses in strips on each side of the seedlings or in a circle around each seedling.
Figure 13. Hack frill above stump wounds or seams on injured trees and apply herbicide.
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LIBERATION CUTTINGS are made in sapling stands to free desirable trees fropm old spreading “wolf trees” which are overtopping. Wolf trees are usually scatteres low-quality or cull trees bypassed in previous cut. They may be deadened with herbicides rather than cut because of possible damage to the young timber in felling them, (Figure 13).
An IMPROVEMENT CUTTING is similar to a cleaning but conducted in previously unmanaged pole and immature sawtimber stands. Undesirable species, crooked, defective or overmature trees occupying dominant positions in the main crown canopy are removed. Remove only the inferior trees that are supressing or crowding desirable trees in the main stand. Some of the trees may be usable for firewood or sawlogs. Look for the good trees rather than just undesirable trees to eliminate. Crop trees released should be vigorous enough to respond with rapid growth. Improvement cuttings should put the stand in shape for future systematic thinnings and reproduction cuts (Figure 14).
SALVAGE CUTTINGS are made to remove trees killed or damaged by insects, disease, wind, fire, or other injurious agencies. The early salvage of dead or dying
trees attacked by elm dieases and oak wilt will help contain the attack to small areas and permit utilization of the trees. Dead trees deteriorate rapidly and should be removed before insects and fungi become active in the spring.
BRANCH PRUNING is a cutting that removes lateral branches from crop trees for the purpose of improving the quality (and value) of one or more logs. Pruning should begin when trees are pole size (5 to 10 inches DBH), removing about one-fourth of the live branches. Pruning when branches are small (less than 2 inches) permits quick walling over by solid wood. The length of the remaining live crown should be at least 50 percent of the tree height. Lopping shears may be used for small branches, and a hand curved pruning saw cutting on the pulled stroke is fast and effective for pruning up to 7 ot 8 feet above the ground. Pruning should progress at intervals of a few years until the first log is free of brances. In plantations prune only trees that will remain in veneer or sawlog size. Prune during the dormant season, preferably late winter. To avoid excessive sprouting on the pruned stem, do not thin and prune at the same time. (See Figure 15.)
Figure 14. Keep the healthy, full-crown trees for future harvests. Figure 15. In pruning larger limbs to prevent damage (A), undercut first and then cut off limb (B), and then remove stub even with trunk (C).
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References Available from The Education Store, Purdue Agriculture (www.agriculture.purdue.edu/store) • Economics of Timber Stand
Improvement, FNR-86. • Forestry and Wildlife Management
Assistance Available to Indiana Woodland Owners: Providers and Programs, FNR-87.
Exercise: Timberstand Improvement • Draw a sketch map of a woodland
containing a sapling, pole, or small sawtimber stand of about 1 acre that needs improvement. Be certain that the map includes the woodland name, number of acres, scale, a direction arrow, and legend for map features.
• Create a list of trees to remove. List the number of trees by species and 2-inch diameter class.
• Display three photographs showing (1) a view of the stand taken from one corner that shows the size of the majority of the trees, (2) one or more trees marked for removal, and (3) a future crop tree benefiting from the TSI.
• Place a caption under each photograph giving the common names of trees shown and the TSI practice needed.
Harvesting and Marketing Timber Harvesting and marketing of forest trees is one of the most important parts of wood-land management. By selecting the proper trees and leaving an adequate reserve of good trees for growing stock, you can harvest periodically at short intervals. The proper marketing of trees selected for harvest will assure that you receive the fair market value for your timber. Even-aged Stands For management purposes, stands composing a woodland are designated as even-aged or uneven-aged. Plantations and species such as such as tuliptree, which has
low tolerance to shading by surrounding trees, develop in even-aged stands (trees all about the same age). Species tolerant of shading such as beech and sugar maple form a mixture of ages from seedlings to mature trees or uneven-aged stands. Timber harvesting in even-aged stands is requires periodic thinnings (for example at 10-year intervals) until the final harvest at the age of financial maturity for the site. Thinnings reduce competition among the trees as they increase in age and size so that rapid growth is maintained. Stocking guides such as Table 9 indicate the number of trees to reserve to fully utilize the site. Folowing the final cut, a new stand is established from natural reprodcution or by planting. Two methods used to reproduce even-aged stands are the clearcutting method and the shelterwood method. Clearcutting removes the mature stand in one cutting with reproduction obtained from seed produced by the cut trees, adjacent trees, or seeds stored in the soil. The natural reproduction is apt to consist of lightseeded pioneer species and species that reproduce well in full sunlight such as the tuliptree. Clear-cutting offers an opportunity to use good sites for more desirable high value species such as black walnut. The shelterwood method involves removing the stand by a series of cuttings a few years prior to the final harvest for the purpose of establishing advanced reproduction of the desired species under the shelter of the older trees. This method is favored to reproduce heavy seeded species such as the oaks; however, it has not been consistently sucessful, and more research is needed. Oak reproduction develops slowly over several years because of infrequent good seed years, insects, and rodents. Oak reproduction on good moist sites is extremely difficult because of competition from elm, sugar maple, cherry, and other species. However, oaks are much more competitive on the drier, less productive sites.
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Table 9. A residual stocking guide for even-aged stands of upland oak on good and medium sites* (first thinning at age 20).
Good sites Medium sites Stand
age Avg DBH
Basal area per acre
Trees per acre
Avg DBH
Basal area per acre
Trees per acre
Years Inches Sq. ft. Number Inches Sq. ft. Number 20 3.6 46 648 2.8 37 860 30 5.6 57 333 4.6 50 435 40 8.4 66 171 7.7 63 195 50 10.8 71 112 9.8 69 132 60 13.4 76 78 12.0 73 93 70 16.3 79 54 14.6 77 66
*Source: Managers Handbook for Oaks in the North Central States.
The sequence of shelterwood cuttings may begin with a preparatory cut, if needed, removing trees competing with good seed trees so that more seed is produced. The second cut during a good seed year opens up the stand for seedling establishment removing the less vigorous trees and undesirable species. One or more removal cuttings may be made while the reproduction becomes estbalished. When the oak reproduction height reaches or exceeds 4 feet, the remaining overstory is removed in the final cut releasing the new stand.
Uneven-aged Stands The selection method is used to reproduce uneven-aged stands. Individual scattered trees are removed periodically, and reproduction is established from seed of surrounding trees. A variation of the individual tree selection method is “group selection” in which even-aged groups of adjacent trees are cut. This method is used primarily in woodlands of 10 to 30 acres when the groups are too small and irregular to be managed as individual even-aged stands. Uneven-aged stands have no beginning or end. Each periodic cut combines the reproduction cut with thinnings and timberstand improvement to regulate the growth and quality of the remaining crop
trees. Management is based upon leaving an adequate reserve of acceptable trees in each DBH class to fully occupy the site. The number to leave is determined by selecting a desired ratio of the number of trees in one DBH class with the next class above and below, setting a maximum size tree and stocking level for the site. In Table 10 the ratio between DBH classes is 1.3, the maximum size tree 24 inch DBH and stocking level 83.6 square feet of basal area in trees exceeding 5.0 inches DBH. The management objective is to develop balanced stands that produce the most timber growth and quality for the site. The maximum size tree to leave on a poor site might be 16 inches DBH compared with 24 on a good site. Lower ratios result in leaving a higher number of large trees, while high ratios increase the number of smaller-size trees. Residual basal areas of 70 square feet per acre in trees 10+ inches DBH and ratios of 1.3 to 1.4 appear reasonable for sawlog management.
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Table 10. A reserve stocking guide for uneven-
aged northern hardwoods* (average per acre) DBH Trees Basal area
inches number square feet 6 25.7 5.0 8 19.8 6.9
12 11.7 9.2 14 9.0 9.6 16 6.9 9.6 18 5.3 9.4 20 4.1 9.0 22 3.3 8.7 24 2.5 7.9
Total 103.5 83.6 *Maximum size tree will be larger on more productive sites than on lower quality sites. The ratio between diameter classes is 1.3. Source: Managers Handbook for Northern Hardwoods in the North Central States. The diameter distribution in previously unmanaged, uneven-aged stands may vary considerably from a selected stocking guide. In such stands the first cut should be primarily an improvement cutting to remove the more undesirable trees. Try to leave a basal area of at least 50 square feet in trees 10+ inches DBH. The second and following cuts at about 10-year intervals should work toward the desired diameter distribution and residual stocking level. Planning a Timber Sale Prior to planning a timber sale the owner should check with buyers and price reports to determine current demand and prices paid for the species and quality to be sold. If the owner decides to proceed, he should prepare a Notice of Timber Sale including information that prospective buyers should know before submitting bids (see sample). Since market prices for timber are not standardized, good advertising is important. The Indiana Licensed Timber Buyers Bulletin, published by the Indiana Division of Forestry, offers owners an excellent opportunity to advertise timber for sale. Notices of sale should also be mailed to buyers known to purchase the species and quality for sale; names of buyers are available from district foresters throughout the state.
A written Timber Sale Contract should be prepared for all timber sales. The purpose of the contract is to spell out the conditions under which the timber is sold and to avoid later misunderstandings between buyer and seller. (See sample Timber Sale Contract.) Since timber is considered real property, the conveyance should be recorded. Income from a timber sale may be treated as capital gains rather than as ordinary income for federal income taxes depending upon the circumstances. References • How to Make and Use the Tree
Measuring Stick, FNR-4. • Forestry and Wildlife Management
Assistance Available to Indiana Woodland Owners: Providers and Programs, FNR-87.
• Financial Maturity: A Guide to When Trees Should be Harvested, FNR-91.
• Timber Harvesting and Logging Practices for Private Woodlands, FNR-101.
• Tips on How to Get the Most from Your Timber Harvest, FNR-138.
Exercise: Harvesting and Marketing Timber • Plan a thinning, an improvement cutting,
and/or a reproduction cutting in 1 acre or more of poletimber or sawtimber.
• Select amd measure the trees to be removed. Mark each with a paint spot at eye level and on the base. All trees should be marked on the same side for ease of viewing.
• Take two photographs showing the selecting and marking of trees for removal.
• Prepare a NOTICE OF TIMBER SALE which includes the number of trees and board-feet of each species marked for harvest and a TIMBER SALE CONTRACT (assume the amount received and a buyer [John Doe Co.]).
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Sample
Notice of Timber Sale ________________ (date)
The attached list of (121) trees is offered for sale by ___________________________________ (owner) The timber is located in the __________________________________________________ (description*) The trees to be sold are marked with an orange paint at eye level and on the base. The location of the trees is indicated on the woods sketch attached.
Any or all of these trees may be cut by the purchaser.
The timber will be sold on a sealed bid basis and under a written contract. The owner reserves all rights to accept or reject any or all bids.
Earnest money in the amount of _____% of the bid price is required and must accompany the sealed bid in the form of a certified check made payable to _____________________________________ (owner). Checks from all but the successful bidder will be returned after the acceptance of the bid.
Bid on the attached forms for listed timber and give complete information as requested.
The bid should consider all marked trees; however, the purchaser shall retain the right to leave standing such marked trees he may consider not to contain merchantable material worth removing.
The deadline for reciept of sealed bids will be ________________________(date). No bids will be accepted after this date. The successful bidder will be notified shortly thereafter.
Payment in full by certified check, bank draft, or cashier’s check will be required at the time of returning the signed contract to __________________________________ (owner) which is to be within 10 days after the deadline date for receipt of bids. The purchaser will also be required to furnish certificates of insurance in the amount of at least $__________ for injuries, including accidental death, to any one person, and subject to the same amount for each person, and in the amount of not less than $__________ on account of each accident. The purchaser shall also carry property damage insurance in the amount of not less than $________ and Workmen’s Compensation insurance for the benefit of the purchaser and all her/his employees. The purchaser shall furnish the seller with certificates of this insurance prior to cutting the timber.
Unless an extension of time is agreed upon in writing between the seller and the purchaser, the trees shall be cut and removed on or before ________________ (date).
Bids must be sent or delivered so as to arrive on or before the deadline date to _____________________ __________________ (owner or representative)
For verification and/or additional information concerning this timber sale, contact (name and address):
Trees Marked for Harvest
Species Trees Estimated volume (Doyle)
quantity board feet Ash 20 3,400
Telephone
Basswood 10 2,900
Hickory 31 5,250 Total 121 54,700 * (SE 1/4 NE 1/4 T19N R4W of Sec 1, _____________TWP __________R) ____________ County approximately 2 miles northwest of ________________, Indiana.
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Timber Sale Bid Date Due ____________________
Return to: Name _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ From: Company ______________________________________________ License No. __________________________
Bidder’s Signature ____________________________________________________________________________
License No. ________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ City and State ________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number ____________________________________________________________________________
Timber Sale Contract
Contract entered into this _______________ day of _____________ 20 ________ by and between
__________________________________________________ heinafter called the Seller, and _________
________________________________________ hereinafter called the Purchaser, WITNESSETH:
1. The Seller agrees to sell and the Purchaser agrees to buy for the total sum of ___________________
________________(in words) dollars ($_______) under the conditions set forth in this contract all of the standing timber marked for cutting on an area of approximately __________acres in the _______ ___________ of Section __________ TWP _____________ R, ______________ County, Indiana on land owned and recorded in the name of _______________________________________________
The location of the area can be further described as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________
The Purchaser further agrees to pay the Seller the sum of____________________________________ (in words) dollars ($_______) payment to be made in accordance with the following schedule: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________
2. The Seller further agrees to dispose of the timber conveyed in this contract in strict accordance with the following conditions:
a. All trees to be included in this sale will be marked as follows: _____________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ b. No concurrent contract involving the area or period covered in this contract has been or will be
entered into by the Seller without the written consent of the Purchaser. c. The Purchaser and her/his employees shall have access to the area at all reasonable times and
seasons for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this contract. d. The Seller covenants that she/he is the lawful owner of the above timber and that no indebtedness or
encumbrance exists against the same. e. _______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________
3. The Purchaser further agrees to cut and remove the timber conveyed in the contract in strict accordance with the following conditions:
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a. Unless an estension of time is agreed upon in writing between the Seller and the Purchaser, all timber shall be paid for, cut, and removed on or before and not later than the ______ day of _____________, 20____, and any material not so removed shall revert to the Seller.
b. Only marked trees may be cut, but the Purchaser shall retain the right to leave standing such marked trees as he may consider not to contain merchantable material worth removing from the area.
c. Unmarked trees and young timber shall be protected against unnecessary injury from felling and logging operations.
d. Necessary logging roads shall be cleared by the Purchaser only after their locations have been definitely agreed upon with the Seller or his representative.
e. During the life of this contract and on the area covered, care shall be exercised by the Purchaser and his employees against the starting and spread of fire, and they shall take reasonable precautions to prevent and control fires.
f. Fences damaged or destroyed by the Purchaser in the logging or removal of timber included in this contract shall be repaired or replaced by the Purchaser to the condition existing at the time the logging begins.
g. Any liability for damage, destruction, or restoration of private or public improvements occasioned by or in the exercise of this contract shall be the sole responsibility of the Purchaser.
4. The Purchaser hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, and save harmless the Seller from any and all liability for personal injuries, death, and/or property damage suffered or incurred by any person in connection with the Purchaser’s performance of this contact. The Purchaser also agrees to furnish insurance of the following types and amounts.
5. Seller and Purchaser mutually agree as follows: a. All modifications of the contract will be reduced to writing, dated, signed, and witnessed and will
be attached to this contract. b. Resale of any portion of the standing timber conveyed by this contract will not release the
Purchaser from all the terms of this contract unless the Seller signs a written release. c. The toal number of trees conveyed is ___________, composed as follows: ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________
d. In case of dispute over the terms of this contract, final decision shall rest with a reputable person to be mutually agreed upon by parties to this contract, and in the case of further disagreement, with an arbitration board of three persons, one to be selected by each party to this contract and the third to be selected by the other two.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement as of the day and year first above written.
WITNESS: _______________________________________ ______________________________________
(Purchaser) _______________________________________ ______________________________________
(Licensed Timber Buyers Number) WITNESS: ______________________________________ _____________________________________
(Seller) ______________________________________
Preparing a Woodland Management Plan
Preparing a woodland management plan applies the information your have learned in the preceeding sections. The purpose of a woodland management plan is to set on paper management objectives, information
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about the woodland resource, cultural practices, and procedures planned for a 5-to 10-year period, and records of its accomplishments. Revise the plan as needed to reflect changes in objectives, markets, cultural practices, and new needs of the forest. A management plan must span a number of years. A natural woodland of at least 5 acres or a forest plantation of at least 1 acre is required. The following items should be ncluded in your plan:
(a) A sketch map drawn to scale. (b) A list of management objectives. (c) Description of the productivity
potential of the site. (d) Description of available markets for
products and services. (e) History of previous management. (f) An inventory summary. (g) Selection and schedule of
management activities. (h) A form for recording work
completed with associated expenses and incomes.
Each of these is discussed briefly below. a. Maps. Maps are essential for management
planning. These should include an aerial photograph and a sketch map drawn to scale. The sketch map should show roads, trails, drainage patterns, compartment boundaries, forest types, fences, buildings, and other important natural or man-made features. North should be at the top of the map and indicated by a direction arrow. The legend should include name of the woodland, acres, location (township, range, section), symbols for map features, and date prepared.
b. Management Objectives. Management
objectives commonly include timber production, wildlife habitat development, soil and water conservation, and recreational uses. Maple syrup production and Christmas trees are specialty crops common in some parts of the state. Many uses of a woodland may be obtained at the same time although one use may be dominant.
c. Woodland Productivity Potential. Area,
site quality, and condition of the trees have a large influence on the quantity and quality of timber and other benefits that may be produced. Since several thousand board-feet of average timber are needed to interest buyers, harvest must be less frequent in a 10-acre woodland than in a 40-acre tract. Productive soils north and east slopes, lower slopes, and coves all favor fast growth and high-quality trees. (See a soil Survey Report for your county to check the potential of your woodland.) The soundness and vigor of the trees affect the rate of growth and quality. Old trees become decadent and more susceptible to insects and disease. Fire and grazing injure or kill trees and are detrimental to wildlife, soil protection, and other uses of the woodland.
d. Markets. In Indiana, markets are readily available for hardwood veneer and sawlogs but limited for pulpwood and pine timber. Indiand is a leader in the production of face veneer shipped to furniture factories throughout the US and to foreign countries.
e. History. Records of past management
such as planting, volumes harvested, and timberstand improvement should be part of the plan. Tree species, log grades, and volumes previously harvested can indicate the relative productivity of a site, helping in predictions of future growth, yields, and quality. Previous fires might point out the need and location of fire lanes.
f. Inventory Summary. Current information
used in planning the next 5 or 10 years is obtained from a woodland inventory. Large forest acreages are divided into compartments for management purposes. Small woodlands of 10 to 20 acres are generally managed as a single unit. Through sample plots or a 100 percent cruise, tree data are collected and summarized on a per acre basis to give the number of trees by major species, size classes (STAND TABLE), and the board-foot volume of sawtimber size trees
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(STOCK TABLE); see the project “Making a Woodland Inventory” for detailed survey methods and summaries. Notes should be taken during the survey identifying areas needing imporvement, open areas, access roads, trails, streams, and other features.
g. Selection and Schedule of Management
Activities. Management must be organized to provide a continuous yield or supply of the products and services desired. For timber production this means planning fairly regular periodic harvests of nearly equal volumes. Cultural practices and reproduction methods must be suited to the site, species, and stand condition. Schedule your management activities according to priority of needs. Consider inventory, protection, timberstand improvement, harvest cuttings, and planting. Do not overlook noncultural needs such as marked boundary lines, maintenance of firelines, access roads, and trails. Information halepful to planning is available from the referneces and other sources.
h. Management Records. A simple recordkeeping system is needed in a mangement plan to note management activities completed annually with appropriate cost and income records. The following outline for annual reports can be easliy summarized for longer periods.
Annual Report, ________ (year)
1. Name of woodland: 2. Name of owner or manager: 3. Objectives of current management: 4. Program towards objectives: 5. Capital developments: 6. Volume of products removed from
woodland: (compartment number, acres, products, volume, value or income, and expenses)
7. Planting operations: (compartment number, acres planted, species, number of trees, purpose)
8. Cultural operations: (compartment, acres, type of treatment, cost)
9. Other incomes and expenses: (source, purpose, amount)
References
• Forestry and Wildlife Management Assistance Available to Indiana Woodland Owners: Providers and Programs, FNR-87, Purdue University.
• USDA North Central Research Station: Central Hardwood Notes
• USDA Forest Service: Crop Tree Management in Eastern Hardwoods (http://www.fs.fed.us/na/morgantown/frm/perkey/ctm/table_of_contents.html) Click on Cover and Table of Contents for intro.
• USDA Forestry Service, see “Publications” (www.fs.fed.us/ )
• The Woodlot Management Handbook: Making the Most of Your Wooded Property for Conservation, Income, or Both. ISBN 1-55209-236-4
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Exercise: Preparing a Woodland Management Plan • Prepare a sketch map of the woodland,
drawn to scale. Locate roads, trails, streams, areas planted, etc. In a legend box give the name of the woodland, acreage involved, a direction arrow, and the map scale.
• Provide woodland resource information under the following headings: o Woodland area in acres. o Site productivity potential (soil type,
site index, five desired species). o Available markets for products
within 50 miles (sawmill cooperage, pulp, etc.).
o Stocking level. From your inventory prepare a table showing the average number of trees and basal area of each DBH class (6+ inches) per acre. Use the form shown in Tables 1 or 2 of the Harvesting and Marketing Timber unit.
• Make a record of the management planned for the next five years which includes: o Management objectives (list in order
of importance). o Protection needs (list specific needs
and year scheduled). o Improvement needs (list by specific
need, acres, and year scheduled). o Reproduction cuts (list reproduction
method, acres, location and year scheduled.)
o Next inventory (sampling method, acres, location, and date scheduled).
o Capital improvements (firebreaks, fencing, roads, tree planting, and other needs).
• Take two photographs of the woodland showing a general view of an average stand and an example of a management need during the next 5 years.
Sketch Map Resources Topo Maps and Orthophotos
Preparing a sketch map is easier if you can get an orthophoto or topo map of the area you intend to manage. Topo maps are available on-line at Topozone (www.topozone.com). In the spring of 2005 the State of Indiana took orthophotos, high quality aerial photos of the entire state. Resolutions of 12-inches and, in some cases, 6-inches are available. The orthophotos are already avaliable on-line for many counties in Indiana (thanks to Indiana University) and others will be coming on-line soon. You can access these high quality orhtophotos via the Internet. The website (http://pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/~frankenb/2005orthophotos/) gives information on three ways to view the photos.
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Glossary
Aspect The direction toward which a slope faces. Basal area The area of the cross section of a tree stem at DBH in square feet. Canopy The cover of branches and foliage formed by the crowns of trees. Crown class Tree crowns are classified as to the position in which they are found.
The following are the main generally recognized classes: Dominant Trees with crowns that extend above the average of the tree crowns
and receive light from directly above and some from the sides. Co-dominant Trees with crowns that form the general level of the crown cover and
receive full light from the top, but very little from the sides. Intermediates Trees shorter than the two preceding classes but with some branches
extending into the general crown cover, receiving little light from above and none from the sides.
Supressed Trees with crowns entirely below the genral crown level and receiving no direct light either from above or below.
Cruise A survey to locate and estimate the quantity of timber on a given area, according to species, size, quality, possible products, or other characteristics.
Cull tree A tree not now merchantable and never will be for the principle products to be harvested from the site.
Cutting cycle The length of time in years between successive cuts in the same stand (cutting interval).
DBH Diameter of a tree at breast height or 4.5 feet above ground. Financial maturity That point in the life of a tree when its expected increase in value no
longer equals or exceeds using its cash value elsewhere and turnung the growing space over to other trees.
Forest Stand A group of trees having similar characteristics which will allow for treatment as a single unit in your management plan.
Forest types A classification of timber stands based upon species compostition (oak-hickory, beech-maple, etc.)
Growing stock All of the trees growing in a forest or a stand, generally expressed in terms of number or volume.
Intermediate cuttings Any removal of trees between the time of establishment of a stand and the reproduction cutting.
Intolerant Species that will not grow in the shade of other trees. Mature tree A tree that has reached the desired diameter for the site. Merchantable That part of a tree which is marketable (salable). Rotation The number of years between the establishment of a stand and the
reporduction cutting. Silviculture A term used to indicate the estbalishment, development, culture, and
reproduction of timber stands. Site The total of atmospheric and soil conditions surrounding a tree
which influence its growth. Site index A measure of site capability based upon the height of dominant trees
at a certain age, usually 50 years.
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Stocking The degrees of occupancy of land by trees, measured by basal area and number of trees compared to the basal area and number of trees required to fully use the growth potential of the site (stocking percentage).
Stand size classes Seedlings: Trees less than 1 inch DBH. Saplings: Trees 1 to 5 inches DBH. Poletimber: Trees 5 to 11 inches DBH (hardwood trees). Sawtimber Hardwood trees over 11 inches DBH or softwood trees over 9 inches
DBH. Understory That portion of the tree in a forest stand below the main canopy.
Note
The Division of Forestry's Seedling Order Form is now available. You can purchase many kinds of seedlings (100 at a time) at a great price. Information and the order form is at www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/, click on “Tree Seedling Nurseries” on the left. Generally, orders received by October 15 will be processed by a computerized, random drawing. Orders received after that date will depend upon seedling availability on a first-come/first-served basis.
Additional References:
Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) has additional publications (other than the ones listed in the text) that may be useful. Click on the links, below, or browse the FNR Extension website or Purdue’s Agriculture Store.
1. A Landowner's Guide to Sustainable Forestry: Part 7: Managing for a Diversity of Value-Added Forest Products
2. Forestry and Wildlife Management Assistance Available to Indiana Woodland Owners: Providers and Programs
3. Marketing Timber 4. Plants of Indiana: Woodlands and Wetlands 5. Plants of the Midwest: Wildflowers of Woodlands and Wetlands 6. Plants of the Midwest: Woodland and Prairie 7. Timber Harvesting and Logging Practices for Private Woodlands 8. Woodland Wildlife Management
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It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, David C. Petritz, Director, that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to the programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status,
parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution.
