Good management helps maximize the many benefits of hardwood forests. Given the wide variety of hardwood trees – each with different characteristics – forest management can be complex. Because of these factors, it’s important for landowners to plan carefully. Forestry professionals trained in the science and art of managing forests (silviculture) can guide planning and practical actions needed to meet desired outcomes and objectives and assure healthy, productive forests for the future.
Getting Started
DOF foresters first conduct stand assessments using specialized tools to gather data, which is used to help inform landowner management options and decisions. In most cases, forest management falls into one of the development stages below.
During the establishment stage, management focuses on helping new seedlings germinate and grow so they can become established and compete successfully into the canopy.
Practices should be used in closed canopy, mature forests that lack desirable seedlings, especially oaks.
Improves oak seedling establishment and competition. May aid in preparing seedbed for germination of light, windblown seeds.
Mid-Story Removal
Removes trees from below the upper canopy to improve growth and competition of small oak seedlings and saplings.
Competition Control
Reduces number of non-native plants or excessive, dense native plants that inhibit early growth of desirable trees.
Planting non-forestland with at least 50% hardwood trees. Planting must follow Virginia Hardwood Planting Guidelines.
During the regeneration stage, management focuses on removing the canopy, so the established seedlings grow and form a new forest.
Practices should be used in mature forests when desirable regeneration is present or expected to start after harvesting.
Clearcut
Removes all trees at once. Appropriate when sufficient advanced oak regeneration is present, or to regrow trees requiring full sunlight.
Shelterwood
Removes all trees in two stages, separated by several years. Helps seedlings develop that do best in partial shade.
Periodic Partial Harvest
Frequent harvesting of small areas to slowly give seedlings more sunlight.
Competition Control
Reduces number of non-native plants or excessive, dense native plants that inhibit growth and development of desirable trees.
During the tending stage, management focuses on fostering optimal forest development and guides species composition to achieve desired objectives.
Practices should be used in young or middle-aged (8-50 years-old) forests after tree crowns touch each other to minimize future forest health problems and maximize benefits.
Timber Stand Improvement
Control unwanted species in the forest to improve growth, adjust species composition, or reduce vine competition. Typically pre-commercial.
Improve growth of select trees by controlling their competition.
Commercial harvest to improve growth and vigor of existing trees.
As part of DOF’s hardwood initiative, landowners can take advantage of financial incentives for conducting many of these management practices.
Learn about the hardwood initiative.
Get started managing your hardwood forest.
Additional Resources
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Contact Us
DOF foresters can assist you with your forestland, contact your local DOF forester.
For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.