More and Better Pines on the Eastern Shore, Part V
Reestablishing Pines on Cut-Over Land
The development of a pine tree resembles, in many respects, that of a man. There is first a period of rapid height growth, during which the principal value consists of promise of that which is to come. Next comes the period of abounding vigor when it fills out and yields to the maximum. And finally there is the stage of maturity, when loss in vigor is compensated for by quality of output. It is during the period of abounding vigor that pine trees yield the maximum of pine straw. When this yield begins to slacken, it is an indication to the Eastern Shore farmer that the trees are mature, for his purpose, and that it is time to think of replacing them with younger ones. This final article has to do with this replacement.
A good set of young pines is largely a matter of getting an adequate number of seeds down to the mineral soil, and then providing the resultant seedlings with enough sunlight to keep them alive and growing.
Mother Nature is always generous with seed. She scatters hundreds where she wants one plant. This is true of pines. For every seed that sprouts, a great many are eaten or fall on dry leaves, grass or other unfavorable spots. Of those which germinate, many perish through lack of sunlight or moisture, or are killed by disease or accident. So the first requirement is plenty of seeds from the right kind of trees. If they come from a scrubby Spruce pine, the young pines will be Spruce pines.
We have found that heavy seed crops come at intervals of 4 to 5 years; that the seed is scattered during the early winter; and that germination takes place the following spring. If therefore, timber is cut in the winter and spring following a heavy, or even a fair seed crop, the logging operation helps to stir the seed down to the soil and results are apt to be splendid. If it happens to be a light seed year (This can be determined by checking the number of green cones on the trees) greater care is necessary. A partial cutting which will take out one strip and leave one, or which will take out the largest trees only, is frequently practical. Four or five seed trees per acre left behind, will usually work if the trees are good specimens which have stood more or less isolated so as to have developed wind-firmness. Where neither of these schemes seem to fit, it may be necessary to clean out the small undesirable trees in order to let the sunlight reach the ground, while the better trees are left standing to start the new crop. This done, they can then be harvested. The cleaning out may be done only as fast as the wood can be used advantageously. It is better to do a good job on an acre or two than to spread the operation over a large area and do only half a job.
The next consideration is to get the seeds down to mineral soil. Logging will do this, so will raking. It is well, of course, to do the raking before the seeds fall, if this is practical. On areas which have become very foul with grass, weeds or brush it may be necessary to use fire. This however is extremely risky and should be attempted only under the personal supervision of the owner and with the approval of his neighbors. Plenty of help and equipment should be at hand to control the fire in case the wind should spring up or change.
Pines require full sunlight for best growth. If they are abundant, little attention is necessary. However, if they are sparse, it may be advisable to hack down some of the spurt growth so as to give every one a chance. If pines once get their heads above the hardwood they will outgrow them.
After the little pines have had about two growing seasons it is well to cruise the area for missed spots. If many such spots are found, seedling trees should be secured and planted. Wild stock may be used, but the State Forestry Department is equipped to supply them at little more than the cost of digging, and it is better stock.
The question is often asked: "Does raking pine straw interfere with the growth of the trees?" It does! The Maryland Forestry Department, after a thorough study, decided that the greatest effect was shown in the height growth. Pine stands which had been consistently raked, averaged about ten feet shorter than similar stands which had not been raked. When distributed over the average rotation, this difference in height growth, and hence in lumber yield, figures to about one dollar per acre per year. The fertilizer value of the litter is many times this, so that raking is fully justified by conditions as they exist on the Eastern Shore.
NOTE: In this series of articles the writer has been able to no more than suggest a few of the things which might be done to improve pine forests on the Eastern Shore. It is hoped that some of those suggestions may fit individual farm conditions and be of value. If he has not been clear or if you have individual problems, which have not been covered, it is suggested that you consult your county agent. Your problems are his problems, and if he feels the need for outside help he knows where to get it.