Services
1st Thinning
A 1st thinning can be done on a planted tract or on a natural tract of wood. In a 1st thinning selected rows are harvested as well as selected trees on the other rows. Every 3rd, 4th, or 5th row will be removed. This decision is made based off of the size of the timber on the tract. Trees need to have a diameter of at least six inches and a live crown of 35 or lower. This typically occurs around 13 to 15 years of age. The trees that are removed on the remaining rows are the genetically weaker trees that may be forked, crooked, or have signs of disease. These trees are likely to die before the final harvest, so removing them early will help insure that the land owner is receiving the highest possible value for all of the timber. The remaining timber will have less competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This improvement will allow the land owner the opportunity to harvest more valuable timber in the future.
2nd Thinning
A 2nd thinning comes 5-7 years after a 1st thinning has taken place or when a basal area of 120 is reached. In a 2nd thinning the basal area will be cut down to about a 50 to 70 trees. The remaining trees will grow into large saw timber or pine poles. 1st and 2nd thinnings are done to insure that the land owner is giving the timber on the property the best conditions to mature. These thinnings also improve habitat for wildlife. Without thinning timber growth will become stagnant and the value of the timber will be diminished.
Shelterwood Cut
In a shelterwood cut timber is removed until about 30-40 trees are left per acre. The trees that remain will be of superior quality, health, and seed production. These trees will produce new growth on the property by naturally dropping seeds. Four to eight years after this cut new trees will be established and now the timber that was left can be harvested. These cuts typically yield good returns for land owners as well as benefit wildlife.
Real Estate Cut
A real estate cut can be done on a pine or hardwood tract. A real estate cut removes the most valuable timber, 10-20 trees will be left per acre. The trees that remain will consist of mainly oaks, maples, or hickories. These trees will provide shade as well as provide for the wildlife. This is often done to open areas up and improve the aesthetics of the land. Landowners may mark the trees that they desire to be left. This cut is the final harvest of timber and is done when no replanting is desired. Because most of the timber on the tract will be harvested this can be a very profitable cut for the individual.
Clear Cut
Clear cuts are done when a land owner has no need for timber on the property or when the desire to have a planted tract exists. Clear cuts can be done to create pasture land for farming purposes or to prepare a site for a home. If one wishes to have a planted tract all timber on the property must be removed to prepare the land for the best conditions to do so.
Seed Tree Harvest
A type of regeneration harvest where between 5 and 10 trees are left per acre to provide a seed source on the harvested tract. Trees left for seed should be of superior quality, healdiy, and vigorous seed producers. In most cases, the old stand is partially removed in a single harvest cut that leaves only the seed trees standing. These remaining trees are left for three to seven years until the stand of seedlings become established from seed. After the new stand is established, the seed trees are harvested, leaving the young seedlings to produce a new even-aged stand of timber.
Planting of Timber
AgForest of Georgia can assist land owners in the planting of timber for future harvesting. The planting of timber is seen as an investment and will increase the value of a property. The initial cost of planting will vary due to current conditions of the land as well as the size of the area to be planted. That initial cost will be recovered over time when harvesting takes place. Planting of timber should be thought of as a long term investment that will result in a source of future income.
Land Acquisitions
AgForest of Georgia is interested in purchasing land throughout the state. We are prepared to make offers on tracts that are 50 acres or more. Please click here for our current land listings.