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What is timber stand improvement? Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)
denotes management practices that improve the vigor, productivity and quality
of stands of trees.
Many options are open to woodland owners. They may
use a TSI program to increase the woodland's value for timber products, water,
recreation, forage, wildlife, natural beauty, or for special products.
Fortunately, work done to improve one use also benefits others in most cases.
Various practices used and tree species selected should fit the chosen
emphasis for the woodland. The number of trees to keep depends on species, type
of site, management goals and size of the trees. Professional foresters are
available to help determine a woodland's potentials and limitations and to help
develop and carry out a suitable management plan.
Types of trees usually removed are:
| • |
Trees inferior
because of their species. |
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Trees interfering
with the growth and development of selected desirable trees. |
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Damaged trees
(broken off, bent over, fire scarred, seriously barked, etc., but expected to
live at least one cutting cycle). |
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Seriously diseased
trees or trees serving as a breeding ground for undesirable
insects. |
Thinning is cutting trees from an immature
stand to increase rate of growth and improve the form of the remaining trees.
Proper space varies depending on species, purpose of management and quality of
the location (site). Table 1 gives a range of spacing for trees of various
diameters.
Pruning is
removing limbs to produce the maximum clear lumber or veneer in the butt log.
Prune only selected hardwood trees where high-value species are grown on good
sites. This is recommended primarily in managing black walnut.
In
pruning lower limbs of young trees, don't remove too much of the food-producing
leaf surface of the tree. At least one-half of the living crown of the tree
should be left intact. In general, trees should be pruned before they reach 8
inches in diameter. Limbs to be removed should be pruned before they reach 2
inches in diameter to reduce the wound size, to ensure proper closing and to
lessen the impact of entry by insects or disease organisms.
Vine removal
On some
areas vines do considerable damage to trees. Vines not retained because of
wildlife food value, fall color, etc., should be killed at the same time other
stand improvement work is done. Remove them by cutting them as low to the
ground as possible and immediately treating the stump with a
herbicide.
Benefits
| • |
By improving the
productivity of the woodlands, the landowner will see higher economic return
from the woods. |
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TimberStand
Improvement will enhance wildlife habitat through creation of snags, edge,
escape and nesting cover. |
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TSI will have a
positive effect on water quality in an area of the state with numerous
important watersheds. |
| • |
TSI will provide a
supply of quality timber in the future at an affordable price. * TSI will
produce long lasting sustainable benefits. |
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