Silvicultural Treatments
Following the development of a forest management plan, our specialized staff can continue to assist landowners in attaining their silvicultural objectives.
Pre-commercial Thinning
Pre-commercial Thinning invoves reducing the stem density in young plantations to favour the remaining stems. It is referred to as a pre-commercial thinning as the cut stems are too small for commercial use. The cut stems do not go to waste however, as they will decompose and release vital nutrients into the soil for the remaining stems.
The goal of this treatment is to lower the density of young stands and to reallocate resources to a smaller number of well distributed trees increasing their potential to develop. The advantages can be summed up as: obtaining quality wood, from desired species in the shortest amount of time. For softwood species and White Birch, the desired density after treatment is 2200 stems/hectare.
For hardwood stands, the treatment differs. The first step consists of positive tree marking. This means identifying, with paint, the future, quality stems to be conserved; ideally 300-500 stems/hectare. The second step consists of clearing around these stems with a brushsaw while retaining some undesired stems to act as a buffer. This buffer will serve to create shade in order to minimize the tree's production of lateral branches, encouraging them to grow vertically.
