How to look after a young forest and sidestep costly problems
If a forest is not well managed, both biodiversity value and future timber revenue could be compromised
Newly planted forests require several years of active management to become well established, regardless of the type of woodland or tree species.
If a forest is not well looked after, both biodiversity value and future timber revenue could be compromised.
Controlling the surrounding vegetation
When small trees start to grow in spring, their roots require adequate nutrients and moisture to grow strongly.
So make sure that the surrounding vegetation is well controlled at the start of the tree-growing season to avoid competition for nutrients and moisture.
If surrounding grass and weeds are allowed to get out of hand, it will be much more difficult and more expensive to bring the situation back under control.
Vegetation control can be done either manually by trampling down the surrounding grass and weeds, or by carrying out a chemical herbicide treatment.
Using herbicides has the added benefit that the nutrients and soil moisture are more readily available to the tree roots rather than the surrounding grass and weed roots.
Using cold store trees
The planting season for bare-rooted plants is well and truly over.
It is still OK to use cold store trees for a few more weeks, though. This way the planting season can be extended. Cold store trees are trees that are lifted from the nursery beds when they are still fully dormant and placed in large chilled storage facilities — ‘cold stores’.
There are advantages and disadvantages with this approach. Cold store plants tend to give excellent results if they are handled well and planted within two weeks of removal from the cold store.
However, planting cold store trees in the spring is a high-risk strategy. If a dry period follows late planting, the mortality rate due to drought can be very high.
Applying fertiliser
Satisfactory nutrient levels in growing trees are crucial.
Fertiliser can be applied from April to August. For best results, however, it is advisable to apply fertiliser when the trees need the nutrients the most — in April and May.
Broadcast the fertiliser evenly during suitable weather. Avoid fertiliser ending up in drains and keep well away from rivers and streams.
Do not apply fertiliser to waterlogged soil or when heavy rainfall has been forecast.
Formative shaping
The purpose of formative shaping is to grow long, straight lengths of quality hardwood timber. By removing forks or very large competing side-branches, you can ‘extend’ the length of the main stem.
Shaping should start early once trees are growing vigorously. This usually means when the trees are two to four years old. Use goodquality, clean, sharp secateurs. Loppers and a pruning saw may have to be used if shaping is left very late.
Remove the weaker (and crooked) side of the fork. Also remove very large side branches. Don’t remove too much of the foliage — the tree needs its leaves to grow strongly. A correct cut is made just outside the branch collar without leaving a peg.
Shaping of broadleaf trees can be done in summer or winter. Avoid shaping in spring or autumn at all costs.
Virtual forest walks
To find out more about how best to manage young forests, we have organised a nationwide series of ‘virtual forest walks’ via Zoom from April 12 to 21.
Topics discussed in the webinars will include vegetation control, damage from browsing animals, nutrient needs, shaping of broadleaf trees, and reducing fire risk.
See www.teagasc.ie/ virtualforestwalks