More and Better Pines on the Eastern Shore, Part IV

There is no question but that there are many places on the Eastern Shore where the land has been opened up in too large areas. For most crops there is need for more protection from winds -- more windbreaks. It may not be altogether a question of the amount of woods, but of their location. The most damaging winds usually come from the northwest. Hence, even when mature timber is being harvested, some trees should be left on that side to serve as a partial break while the young growth is attaining size.

There are four distinct pines on the Eastern Shore (1) the Loblolly pine, which is found everywhere and which is by all odds the most desirable species. (2) The Spruce pine, which is characterized by its thin bark and by the numerous dead branches which persist long after they are dead. This is a prolific seeder and very aggressive. In some sections it has become very plentiful. Spruce pines should be cut and utilized for fuel wood before they reach seed bearing size. (3) Shortleaf pine, which is characterized by its very small cones. Although it produces wood of good quality, its growth is slow and its leaf fall scanty. (4) Pond pine occurs on wet land and is characterized by its large, almost round, and persistent cones. It is of minor importance. All forest improvement work should be directed toward increasing the proportion of Loblolly pine.

Where it is desired to prepare the woods for raking pine straw, it is usually helpful to remove most of the hard wood undergrowth. On uplands this is a simple matter. Lowlands present more difficulties and opinions differ as to the best procedure. Goats have frequently been used with success. Foresters have developed a tool for clearing fire lines which might be worth trying for this job. The tool is virtually a rake with mower and teeth substituted for the conventional rake tooth. These teeth are set close together and are firmly riveted to an angle iron bar, the entire head being set at such an angle as to give the maximum of cutting force. There are several of these tools on the market which differ only in minor detail. They would work best for clearing away vines and small brush.

Where, for any reason, an owner decides to sell his timber, it will pay him well to consider carefully how it should be done in order to: First, place a minimum of handicap on the rest of the farm, and second, insure the prompt replacement of the present stand with an adequate setting of young pines.

To cut most of the mature timber and still maintain a windbreak and a source of pine straw, two courses are open. The first is to reserve a strip of uncut timber, so located that it will give maximum protection from the wind and scatter seed over the cut-over area. This idea might be carried to the extent of dividing the timber into three parallel strips, with the idea of cutting one strip every 10 to 15 years. This would set up a definite 30 to 45 year rotation for the timber crop, insure a permanent windbreak and give a continuous supply of pine straw.

The second plan is best suited to a woods in which young and mature trees occur in mixture. In this the larger saw timber would be sold while the medium sized and young trees would be retained to carry on. Under this plan the saw mill operator would get the trees from which he could expect the greatest profit. The owner could expect another cut in 10 to 15 years instead of waiting 30 or 40. And the trees which were left behind would carry on as a windbreak and source of litter.

The question of insuring an adequate stand of young pines will be discussed in the fifth and last article.