Growing

Growing timber can be one of the most satisfying activities a timberland owner can undertake. Many can relate to the process of growing a garden where activities are performed during the growing cycle to help produce the highest quality end product (fruits/vegetables). In gardening, one gets the best seed source available, prepares the soil, follows established planting guidelines, removes weeds, and periodically harvests the crop over time. Growing trees has many of these same processes refered to as "Management" activities. Specific forest management activities can be used to influence the development of your timber stand according to your goals. These goals could be producing maximum income, improving wildlife habitat, creating recreational opportunities, or a combination thereof. Good management practices can reduce the costs and increase the success of forestry because you can choose the practices that best fit your ownership objectives and timberland condition. The outcome is usually much more that just a "crop" of trees.