TSI- Whatcha Cuttin'

[gjs4]

I am going to do some TSI (timber stand improvement) and some DBC (just came up with this- Deer Bedding Creation) in seOH. I have some not good for much species like Gum, Ironwood, Beech, Sycamore, and a bunch of Locust, Hickory, Cherry , mixed in with the Red, White and Black Oaks. The area is closed canopy, needs a cut to get some sunlight to the floor. I even have portions were the oaks (including Whites) are so dense that I will fell some because theyre choking each other out. I do want a healthy woods but my number one focus is bumping deer bedding and browse. I also know better than think 30ac of woods will be a retirement egg....so i rather have the hunting fun now.

Do you guys fell or hinge Locust, Hickory and Cherry species as part of your TSI? What others do you target (IE- Elm, Poplar...)?

 

[brock ratcliff]

I’ve not done any of the above. I’ve thought about doing it. Bush honeysuckle has kept me from doing it. We already have an issue and I’m quite certain opening the canopy on our places will only cause it to spread more aggressively. If you’re going to do it, I’d suggest a plan to deal with honeysuckle first.
@LonewolfNopack may have some thoughts to share on it.

 

[gjs4]

Oh yeah. BH is an issue. An Olive, Privet.....spice bush is almost welcomed in some spots. I plan to basil bark spray after season and cutting.

 

[LonewolfNopack]

I know its not the answer your looking for but I wouldn't think about TSI until your invasive species are more under control. If you want to do some TSI to make it more manageable, perhaps think about breaking the property down to segments based on terrain, forest type etc. Complete invasive management on section A, then do your TSI work on section A. So on and so forth. You'll never eliminate all the invasive species, but you definitely can significantly reduce them. BTW spice bush is a good shrub, but you most certainly do not want Autumn Olive and 1000% not Privet.

Every job is different and it depends on your management goals. For example I have been paid to kill hundreds of acres of sugar maples when the owner was managing for Oak/Hickory timber and wildlife value. On the other hand ive been paid to plant and manage for sugar maple when the owner was managing a maple syrup farm.

Personally, I try to promote all Oak, Hickory, Black Cherry and Walnut...as well as any native shrub like Paw Paw, Spice Bush and Wild Plum. Most of our woods that were originally oak/Hickory are becoming Beech/Maple. I have no issue killing maples, tulips, etc to promote better habitat and timber.

 

[LonewolfNopack]

Additionally, look up the "Hack and Squirt" method of killing trees with a hatchet and small hand sprayer. I call it hiking with a purpose and it's very therapeutic and enjoyable.

 

[bowhunter1023]

I have some plans to drop a bunch of young maple and elms on a S facing slopes, then do a burn. We have a lot of oaks in the area, so I can create some good edge. I also have some ToH that needs managed. Then there's our sanctuary where we may do a small clear cut with some strategically place lay-downs. One area I've fallen short of my own management goals has been chainsaw time. That will change in 3 weeks.

 

[Stressless]

Additionally, look up the "Hack and Squirt" method of killing trees with a hatchet and small hand sprayer. I call it hiking with a purpose and it's very therapeutic and enjoyable.

I've been using the hack and squirt to good effect with Tordon, but it only appears to control not kill ToH - 20% triclopyr with diesel basal applicarion seems to kill it.

Any better recommendations for termination of ToH in the dormant winter months? I screwed up a couple and they sent off the suckers which is a huge PITA.

 

[LonewolfNopack]

I've been using the hack and squirt to good effect with Tordon, but it only appears to control not kill ToH - 20% triclopyr with diesel basal applicarion seems to kill it.

Any better recommendations for termination of ToH in the dormant winter months? I screwed up a couple and they sent off the suckers which is a huge PITA.

I recommend not using Tordon. It is known to easily translocate to other connecting tree roots and can have significant non-target kill.

Some foresters will tell you that hack and squirt is only effective in late summer to early fall months, but I have had great luck outside that window as well. You will probably want to use a water based herbicide such as Glyphosate or Triclopyr 3 for Hack and Squirt, although Tric4 with basal oil works too. If you use Triclopyr 3, make sure you wear eye protection. Remember that invasive treatment is rarely to never one and done. As you found out, be prepared for a repeat treatment as necessary. Even when treated in the perfect time window with the perfect chemical, Tree of Heaven, particularly, is known to root sprout at times.