Mason-Dixon Forestry: Why Should I Harvest Timber?

Silviculture is the controlling and enhancement of the growth composition, health and quality of the forest by using a well laid out management plan. There are many benefits to controlling forest growth.

• Promotes diversity by selecting which trees to harvest. You can leave highly favored trees as a seed source and the less desirable trees can be removed.

• Creates a better wildlife habitat. Coarse wood debris which consists of dead tree remains provides food and offers shelter to wildlife. Insects thrive in the wood debris which provides food for birds, reptiles and amphibians.

• Reduces competition among trees. If overcrowding occurs, growth of the desired trees is affected. The regrowth will take longer.

• Harvesting timber will allow for the regrowth of the forest floor. By removing some trees, it allows sunlight to reach the lower parts of the forest.

• Timber harvesting will create a source of income for the future. Trees are selectively chosen in order to encourage regrowth of desired timber. A new harvest can occur every 10 to 15 years.

• The timber that is harvested is used in producing products that we rely on.