Virginia Department
of Forestry

Article provides a review of the research and science behind two approaches to planting loblolly pine seedlings – essentially a comparison of planting depth vs. root straightening priorities. Shallow planting regardless of taproot form can kill seedlings. A seedling that has a bent taproot but is planted deeply will have a higher probability of survival than a shallow planted seedling with a straight taproot. David B. South, Professor, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University, AL.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: longleaf pine establishment methods, shortleaf pine establishment methods, American chestnut backcross breeding, white pine seedling handling and competition control methods, loblolly pine release tank mixes and surfactants, epicormic branching of white oak, and northern red oak planting.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: the loblolly pine tree improvement program, competition control for shortleaf pine establishment, competition control for white pine establishment, pruning methods for urban trees, white oak crop tree release, tree-of-heaven control methods, yellow-poplar thinning response, and northern red oak planting.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: financial value of improved loblolly pine seedlings, loblolly pine planting density, white pine seedling handling and planting study, pre-commercial thinning of loblolly pine, riparian buffer planting success, and tree-of-heaven control methods.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: row orientation in loblolly pine growth, fertilizer x planting density effects on loblolly pine growth, varietal vs. open-pollinated loblolly pine, North Carolina and South Carolina families of loblolly pine in VA, longleaf pine establishment methods, longleaf pine provenances, biosolids for fertilizing loblolly pine, interplanting loblolly pine, and southern red oak crop tree release and fertilization.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: loblolly pine seed orchard management strategies, advances in pine plantation silviculture, longleaf pine grafting methods, competition control for shortleaf pine establishment, tip moth control methods for loblolly pine, tree-of-heaven control methods, and northern red oak planting.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: potential for continued loblolly pine tree improvement, effects of thinning and fertilization in loblolly pine, American chestnut breeding program, longleaf pine provenance study, biosolids for fertilizing loblolly pine, interplanting loblolly pine, tip moth control methods for loblolly pine, and southern red oak crop tree release and fertilization.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: loblolly pine site index, stem sinuosity in loblolly pine, longleaf pine establishment methods, American chestnut, effects of competing hardwoods on loblolly pine, white pine competition control and storage time, tip moth control methods for loblolly pine, white oak crop tree release and fertilization.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: Forest Modeling Research Cooperative, potential for pine plantation woody biomass, stem forking in loblolly pine, biosolids for fertilizing loblolly pine, interplanting loblolly pine, loblolly pine growth after age two hardwood control, site preparation vs. release for loblolly pine growth, initial seedling size and establishment methods for northern red oak.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: thinning and fertilization in mid-rotation loblolly pine, loblolly pine planting spacing, biosolids for fertilizing loblolly pine, timing of hardwood control in loblolly pine, longleaf pine provenance comparison, and white oak crop tree release.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: effects of pruning in loblolly pine, effects of planting density and fertilizer on loblolly pine growth, varietal vs open-pollinated loblolly pine, biosolids for fertilizing loblolly pine, shortleaf pine provenance test, interplanting loblolly pine, tree shelter comparison for red oak in riparian buffers, crop tree release and fertilization of white oak and southern red oak.

Research reports and updates from ongoing DOF studies. In this issue: fourth cycle loblolly pine tree breeding, spacing impacts on loblolly lumber quality, fertilizer fate and carbon sequestration in loblolly pine, logging slash for skid trail stabilization, longleaf pine provenances, growth and value of low-density loblolly pine plantations, projected value of interplanted loblolly pine, biosolids for fertilizing loblolly pine, growth and value of loblolly pine after site prep vs. release, hardwood plantations in central VA, tree shelters for northern red oak

Report provides results of a study of two planting densities (363 and 726 trees per acre) and three levels of nutrient additions aimed at maintaining the current site index (SI25) of the stand (55 ft.) or improving the SI25 to 70 and 80 ft. None of the treatments affected survival or height during the first 9 years, but both affected diameter growth. Colleen A. Carlson, Thomas R. Fox, Jerre Creighton, Phillip M. Dougherty, and John R. Johnson

Report summarizes field data gathered in Orange County, VA in shortleaf and loblolly pine plantations.

Report provides results of a helicopter-applied herbicide treatment for controlling unwanted hardwoods in Charlotte County, VA.

Report provides information regarding the relative effectiveness of the Pine Seed Tree Act in 12 Virginia counties between 1950 and 1955.

Report provides the results of a 1959 aerial herbicide application for site preparation of a 40-acre cutover hardwood stand on Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest.

Report provides first growing season results from loblolly pine direct seeded pilot areas in 15 counties.

Report provides the results of foliage spray tests to control hardwoods on the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in 1959 and 1960.

Report provides growth data from a 1937 Buckingham County plantation containing both loblolly and shortleaf pine that was thinned at age 19 and again at age 24, providing evidence of the more rapid growth of loblolly pine.

Report provides first growing season results from white and loblolly pine direct seeded pilot areas in 1961.

Report provides the results of the successful conversion of a low-grade hardwood stand to loblolly pine by direct seeding on seven acres at the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest.

Report provides height growth comparisons from four trials where fertilizer was applied to newly-planted loblolly pine seedlings.

Report provides age three results from a study of chemical and mechanical control methods of sod control in an old-field loblolly pine planting.

Report provides first-year results from 32 plots testing backpack mist blower applications of herbicides for hardwood competition control in pine stands of the Piedmont and coastal plain.

Report provides first-year results from spot-seeded plots comparing uncovered and lightly-covered (with soil) treatments for establishing loblolly and shortleaf pine.

Report provides one-year results from 34 plots direct-seeded with loblolly, Virginia and white pine.

Report provides first-year results of a study to test spot seeding as a method of establishing loblolly, Virginia and shortleaf pine on cutover land.

Report summarizes a three-year study of planting survival of loblolly, shortleaf and white pine, including more than 3,300 different plantings.

Report summarizes 1961 and 1962 tests of the use and effectiveness of a tractor-mounted mist blower to control hardwoods using different herbicides and rates at Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest.

Report compares height growth of loblolly pine established by direct seeding and planting after three and five growing seasons.

Report provides three-year results of study plots testing spot seeding as a method of establishing white pine on cutover land in the mountains.

Report summarizes results from a series of loblolly pine direct seeding studies established between 1961 and 1964 at Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest.

Report provides hardwood control results from a series of plots established in 1964 and 1965 testing the herbicide Dybnar at a range of rates.

Report provides results of a 1965 study of Dybar using different rates and application methods for control of residual hardwoods on a bulldozed site.

Report provides data from a study of damage from mist-blowing herbicides on planted or direct seeded loblolly pine after five growing seasons.

Report provides three-year results from a study of the effects of exposure, clay dipping and storage time on survival and growth of loblolly pine seedlings.

Report provides results of a test of direct seeding of Virginia pine compared to planting of both Virginia and loblolly pines.

Report summarizes stocking and height data from a study of direct seeding loblolly pine on coastal plain soil in Chesterfield County, VA.

Report compares three-year survival and height for loblolly pine seedlings planted monthly from December through June, 1969.

Report summarizes two-year survival and height growth of loblolly pine on hand- and machine-planted plots.

Report provides results of a five-year trial of planting, spot seeding and broadcast seeding on 10 different tracts.

Report provides survival and height growth of dormant and non-dormant loblolly pine seedlings after cold storage ranging from zero to three months through age three.

Report provides results of a two-year survival of loblolly pine seedlings exposed for two and three days to temperatures of 12 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit prior to planting.

Report provides results of two studies installed in 1970 with the purposes of 1) comparing survival of loblolly pine seedlings packed in kraft paper bags with seedlings packed in conventional packages, and 2) assessing the effects of varied periods of exposure to the sun prior to planting.

Report provides three-year results from a study comparing loblolly pine seedlings root-dipped in water, kaolin clay suspension, and Agricol, and exposed to the sun and air for 0, 30, 60, and 90 minutes prior to planting.

Report provides eight-year height growth of planted and direct seeded loblolly pines on piedmont and coastal plain sites.

Report summarizes yield data from 57 shortleaf pine stands in 40 different plantations in 25 different piedmont and mountain counties.

Report provides an analysis of dry weights and root:shoot ratios of loblolly pine seedlings lifted from nursery beds at monthly intervals between October 1, 1973 and March 1, 1974.

Report provides results from a three-year study where moderate and severe root pruning just before planting was compared to no root pruning on two size classes of seedlings (smaller and larger than average).

Report summarizes 15-year growth of loblolly pines in a study of interplanting in old field plantations one, two, and three years after initial planting.

Report provides information on three-year performance of loblolly pine seedlings subjected to mechanical root wrenching in the seedbeds (simulated by hand-pulling) and top clipping.

Report provides information on growth and survival for three years after planting of loblolly pine grown at 24, 36, and 52 seedlings per square foot in the nursery bed.

Report summarizes growth and survival data for three years after planting of seedlings that were undercut, laterally root-pruned, and top-clipped in the nursery beds.

Report summarizes findings from three paired plots released from hardwood competition by hand chopping at age nine and measured through age 23. The basal area and volume response to release varied widely, but, on average, released plots had 18% more basal area and 15% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from eight plots released from hardwood competition by hand chopping at age five and measured through age 18. Released plots averaged 16% more basal area and 27% more volume than check plots.

Report describes effects of pre-commercial thinning in a four-year-old direct-seeded loblolly pine stand on long-term growth and yield. Treatments increased diameter growth and pulpwood yields through age 23.

Report summarizes findings from two areas released from hardwood competition by either hand chopping or mist-blowing herbicides at age two compared to no treatment and measured through age 19. Hand-chopped plots averaged 63% more basal area and 80% more volume than the check plots, and mist-blown plots averaged 29% more basal area and 25% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by mist-blowing herbicides at age four to no treatment and measured through age 19. Mist-blown plots averaged 25% more basal area and 28% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by mist-blowing herbicides at age four to no treatment and measured through age 21. Mist-blown plots averaged 78% more basal area and 91% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by either hand chopping or mist-blowing herbicides at age five to no treatment and measured through age 22. Hand-chopped plots averaged 52% more basal area and 63% more volume than the check plots, and mist-blown plots averaged 19% more basal area and 17% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by mist-blowing herbicides at age two to no treatment and measured through age 16. Mist-blown plots averaged 30% more basal area and 43% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by mist-blowing herbicides at age three to no treatment and measured through age 21. Mist-blown plots averaged 88% more basal area and 98% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by hand chopping at age five to no treatment and measured through age 21. Hand-chopped plots averaged 109% more basal area and 153% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by hand chopping at age four to no treatment and measured through age 22. Hand-chopped plots averaged 7% more basal area and 5% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age four to no treatment and measured through age 17. Herbicide plots averaged 18% more basal area and 23% more volume than check plots. This report also introduced the pine free-to-grow classification system that has been used ever since in hardwood control studies across the South.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age six to no treatment and measured through age 18. Herbicide plots averaged 41% more basal area and 39% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes results from a study installed from 1981-1984 to evaluate early lifting/planting, over-winter storage, and late lifting/planting of white pine. The most significant effect on survival came from storage; seedlings lifted and planted in the fall or in the spring survived equally. Height growth of surviving seedlings was not affected by lifting/planting schedule.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by basal spraying herbicides at two dilution rates at age one to no treatment and measured through age 17. Herbicide plots averaged 68-70% more basal area and 91-99% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age four to no treatment and measured through age 16. Herbicide plots averaged 22% more basal area and 35% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age four to no treatment and measured through age 19. Herbicide plots averaged 31% more basal area and 53% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age three to no treatment and measured through age 15. Herbicide plots averaged slightly less basal area and only 0.4 cords per acre more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by basal spraying herbicides at two dilution rates at age one to no treatment and measured through age 18. Herbicide plots averaged 10-16% more basal area and 13-23% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age three to no treatment and measured through age 16. Herbicide plots averaged 29% more basal area and 48% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by basal spraying herbicides at two dilution rates at age two to no treatment and measured through age 18. Herbicide plots averaged 54-76% more basal area and 67-103% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by basal spraying herbicides at two dilution rates at age one to no treatment and measured through age 17. Herbicide plots averaged 17-32% more basal area and 28-65% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by basal spraying herbicides at two dilution rates at age one to no treatment and measured through age 17. Herbicide plots averaged 28-29% more basal area and 48-66% more volume than check plots.

Report describes effects of crown scorch following a 1984 burn in loblolly pine. After four years, more than half the trees with 100% crown scorch had died but early differences in diameter growth had disappeared.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by 1) hand chopping, 2) basal spraying herbicides, or 3) mist blowing herbicides at age three to no treatment and measured through age 20. Herbicide plots averaged 6-12% more basal area and 9-13% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by basal spraying herbicides at two dilution rates at age one to no treatment and measured through age 19. Cordwood yield response varied from +22% on the lower dilution rate to -17% with the higher dilution.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age three to no treatment and measured through age 20. Herbicide plots averaged 11% more basal area and 18% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age two to no treatment and measured through age 18. Herbicide plots averaged 169% more basal area and 215% more volume than check plots.

Report summarizes findings from plots comparing release from hardwood competition by aerial application of herbicides at age three to no treatment and measured through age 19. Herbicide plots averaged 22% more basal area and 38% more volume than check plots.

Report provides information regarding loblolly pine growth through age 18 on plots released from understory (blueberry and huckleberry) vegetation at age 10. Complete elimination of understory competition had no significant impact on diameter or basal area growth.

Report provides 20-year results of a study comparing planting 824 trees per acre, 412 trees per acre, and 412 trees per acre followed by interplanting another 412 trees the following year. Interplanting had a negative effect on stand productivity, reducing average stem diameter and increasing the number of sub-merchantable trees.

Report describes the effects of four treatments – herbaceous vegetation control, tip moth control, herbaceous vegetation and tip moth control combined, and no treatment – on loblolly pine growth through age 16. Herbaceous control increased height by 2 feet, diameter by 0.5 inches, and basal area by 25 square feet. Tip moth control had only slight effects on those attributes.

Report summarizes three-year results from a test of 1-0 white pine seedlings from 2/32 to 5/32 inches in root collar diameter compared to 2-0 seedlings. Smaller seedlings survived as well as larger ones, but grew less in height; 2-0 seedlings grew more in height than 1-0.

Report provides information about a study where loblolly pine seedlings were planted in rows that had either been ripped to a depth of 16 inches or not ripped on eight different tracts. At age six, neither survival nor height were significantly affected by treatment, but the gain in diameter of 0.13 inches was statistically significant.

Report summarizes yield data from 59 plots installed in 48 different white pine plantations over a 30-year period that was used to construct volume tables and site index curves and project board-foot volumes.

Report provides 15-year growth information on three locations of plots in the piedmont of Virginia planted with 200, 300, and 400 loblolly pines per acre. This study demonstrated that relatively low-density plantings of loblolly pine can result in well-stocked stands capable of supporting a merchantable thinning by age 15.

Report summarizes past studies and results from a new test of varied storage times, exposure during grading and planting, and transport. Survival ranged from 46% to 91% and was reduced by cold storage over four weeks when combined with prolonged exposure during planting and exposure during transportation.

Biosolids are solid and liquid materials produced from the treatment of municipal sewage sludge, commonly applied as a fertilizer material on agricultural fields. Most forestland in Virginia becomes nitrogen-limited as the stand develops. Report summarizes the results of a seven-year-old study to examine the effects of biosolids applied as fertilizers to a mid-rotation loblolly pine plantation in Essex County, showing that pine trees benefit from the biosolids much as they would from traditional inorganic fertilizers.

The choice of surfactant can be critical in determining the outcome of an herbicide application. Research report reviews important factors to consider, including solution chemistry, herbicides state, surfactant type and chemistry, and important considerations for glyphosate herbicides. It also includes a case study.

A study of the effects on loblolly pine growth of seven herbicide competition control alternatives was installed at the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest between July 2005 and August 2007. After 10 years, analysis of variance indicates that hardwood competition control has had a significant (P<0.01) positive effect on pine growth (basal area and volume).

Report discusses a study that was installed in the spring of 2007 at Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest to examine the effects of interplanting loblolly pine seedlings in plots with varying levels of simulated seedling mortality in a one-year-old plantation.

Report provides an update on the effects of planting date on longleaf pine survival in Virginia.

Report provides age 22 data from a study installed on the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest between 1990 and 1993 to compare the tree growth and stand-level productivity of plots planted with 200, 300 and 400 seedlings per acre (spa).

Report provides results from a study of the effects of five surfactants when applied with three common herbicide mixes for loblolly pine release. Pine damage was associated with the Arsenal (imazapyr) x Accord (glyphosate) tank mix – either with or without surfactants – and was temporary. Five-year pine growth was significantly better with release despite the damage.

Report provides age 15 results from a study of the effects on loblolly pine growth of seven herbicide alternatives for hardwood competition control (all with and without an additional year one herbaceous weed control treatment). After 15 years, pine productivity increased by 70% with the best site prep treatment compared to 40% with a second-year release.

Report provides results from a study of the effects on loblolly pine growth of five hardwood competition control strategies (pre-plant site prep, year-one release, year-two release, one-year layout followed by pre-plant site prep, and no control). After five years, all treatments had effectively controlled hardwood competition and differences in pine growth were directly related to the timing of hardwood control.

Report provides results from three locations of a study of competition control and fertilizer treatments for establishing shortleaf pine on old-field and cutover sites. Herbaceous weed control (using herbicides or mechanical scalping) at the beginning of the first growing season improved survival and growth of planted shortleaf pine on both old field and cutover sites after two years.

Report provides results from a study of the effects of seedling source (NC orchard mix, GA mountain and GA coastal), competition control methods and planting depth on the establishment and early growth of longleaf pine on an old-field site. Five-year results show that the most important factor in  establishment success was scalping. Shallow planting and Oustar at 8 -12 oz./acre were also helpful. 

Report provides results from a study comparing the growth and productivity of loblolly pine planted at varying densities in four planting configurations. Changing the planting density and between- or within-row spacing met different product objectives while producing up to 51% more volume within a 10-year time frame compared to a 10 ft. x 10 ft. spacing (436 trees per acre).

Report provides cubic-foot volume yields for particular product definitions from a 25-year-old loblolly pine spacing trial and shows how closely, in the absence of thinning, total and merchantable wood production are linked to initial spacing. The results of this study suggest that no single planting density will be optimal for all management objectives. Ralph L. Amateis and Harold E. Burkhart.

Article reviews the contributions of applied silvicultural research in tree improvement, nursery management, site preparation, weed control, and fertilization to plantation forestry in the South. Thomas R. Fox, Eric J. Jokela, and H. Lee Allen.

Article written by Chris Asaro and Jerre Creighton with Virginia Department of Forestry for the Entomological Society of America regarding the use of systemic fipronil and imidacloprid to control regeneration pests of loblolly pine.