Foresters select high-quality, wind-firm trees to remain on a cutblock after harvest. These trees drop seeds to naturally regenerate the surrounding cleared area, ensuring the next generation inherits favorable genetic traits like straight trunks and fast growth. Once the new stand is established, the seed trees are sometimes harvested in a secondary pass.
Heard on the job
We need to mark about five seed trees per acre on the north slope before the feller-buncher gets in there.
Insider tip
Choosing a seed tree with a poor crown or weak root system is a common mistake, as it will likely blow over before it can reseed the block.