Field Day of the 2003 Fall Meeting of the Michigan SAF

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  White Pine Underplanting on State Land by Quent McNichols  

This oak site was underplanted in white pine in an effort to increase the acreage of the species.  Overstory canopy ran about 60% closure, thinned in the late 1990s.  In May, 2000, hand underplanting replaced natural regeneration that was damaged during the thinning operation.  Planting spacing ran about 8' by 8' on square foot scarified patches.  Survival appeared to be reasonable under threats from deer depredation.  Target white pine density was 750 trees/acre.  After one year, there were 725 trees/acre.  Total cost was $116.75 per acre.  Understory planting may help maintain thinner terminals, reducing the potential for tip weevil damage.  On the other hand, seedling populations free to grow, insufficient densities, may be able to provide enough undamaged stems for a final crop density of 100-150 trees per acre.  Blister rust is not a significant issue in this region of Michigan. 

  Underburning to Encourage Oak Regeneration on State Land by Jim Bielecki 

Two burns took place over a period of 3-4 years.  The objective was to control red maple regeneration in favor of oak.  A third burn may be required to reduce red maple clumps to a density low enough to allow recruitment of oak.  The site covered about 30 acres and the treatment was expensive, mostly due to inexperience and a high degree of caution. 

  Direct Seeding of Jack Pine on State Land by Don Hennig

The 30 acre stand was direct seeded with jack pine in 1997 at a rate of 0.4 pounds of seed per acre.  Twelve pounds were required for the entire area.  A skidder was set-up to carry an automated seeder.  Total cost per acre came to $43.47 with most of that cost of the seed.  Seed was bought by the Michigan DNR from open market cone collectors.  The seeding was performed by a private contractor.  Two survival surveys were done. Survival was assessed at 63% in 1998 using a "yes/no" inventory method.  In 2000, counts came to 907 trees per acre, plus 59 volunteers per acre.  Low germination counts in the first year or two may not necessarily equate to failure.  Seed apparently can wait for more optimum germination conditions for a limited number of years. 

  Containerized Red Pine Seedlings by Jerry Lambert

Containerized seedling, with necessary site preparation and release from competing vegetation, typically have higher survival rates than bare-root stock.  Fall planting is usually preferred over spring planting.  MeadWestvaco supplied containers of red pine and European larch for demonstration.  Much of the planting is performed by hand crews, rather than machine planting.  Containerized stock began to be commonly used in the 1990s but has been around since the 1980s. 

  Strip Cutting of Jack Pine and Natural Regeneration by Randy Marzolo

The site is marginally productive in terms of both biomass and economics.  Harvest values did not permit much expenditure for site preparation and planting.  The strip cutting worked reasonably well.  Strips should be no wider than average tree height in order to maximize natural regeneration.  A buffer strip was retained along the road. 

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Last update of this page was 30 September, 2005