The practice of silviculture, by which stands of trees are tended, harvested and replaced, can improve growth rates, quality, strength and other properties as well as help maintain a healthy, productive and sustainable forest.

Key to the practice of good forest management is knowledge of:

• how a tree grows (diameter, height, volume) and division of trees into stands (composition, density, stocking)
• site capability
• species characteristics such as rooting habit, wind firmness, associated species, preferred growing sites and shade tolerance
• how stands of trees are influenced by silviculture practices

Silviculture practices include:

• Selection
  • single tree
  • group
• Shelterwood
  • uniform method
  • strip method
  • seed tree method
• Thinning-
  • pre-commercial thinning (PCT)
  • commercial thinning (CT)
• Clearcutting with natural regeneration and artificial regeneration
• alternate strips

• progressive strips
• patches
• site preparation
• planting
• weeding

• Google Earth - Planting tool

Professional advice and expertise regarding silviculture practices is available from forestry consultants, contractors, woodland owner organizations and industry located throughout the province.

Resources