Pine stand with hardwoods removed for straw raking. This can lead to a need for herbicide treatments to control this vegetation. One downfall of fertilization is that it also increases undesirable vegetation in the understory. Over-fertilization can cause tree mortality. Although general guidelines are available for fertilization rates, both soil and foliage should be submitted for testing to determine specific rates for the site being raked. Intensively raked stands on sites with low fertility that are well-to-excessively drained tend to show the most enhanced straw production following fertilization. Fertilization to enhance pine straw production varies depending on species and site quality. Management practices such as fertilization, herbicide applications, and prescribed burning will help you to maximize your pine straw production. Delaying stand thinnings in favor of maximizing straw production can have an overall negative impact on timber quality and quantity. Stands with higher densities have an increased risk of forest health issues due to overstocked conditions. Stand densities of 75 ft2/acre to 125 ft2/acre are typical stocking ranges in stands managed for pine straw. Basal area is a measure of the cross-sectional area occupied by tree stems for their diameter at breast height (4.5 feet) and expressed on a per-acre basis. Besides species and the stand’s age, the volume of pine needles produced each year also depends on the stand’s stocking, site index, and if the site is fertilized to enhance production. Straw production peaks at about 15 years of age. Pine straw raking can begin in young stands at full canopy closure, ranging from 6 to 10 years of age based on species. Pine Tree Species NamesĪnother consideration when deciding to rake pine straw is the age of the stand. Needle characteristics and average production per acre. The longleaf needles are raked and baled more easily and interlock once spread, creating a blanket-style mulch layer. Longleaf pine is the preferred species for pine straw production due to its needle length and slower needle decay rate. Pine species’ desirability for straw varies by needle characteristics and the volume of straw produced per acre (Table 1). The first consideration is the pine species growing on the property if a landowner will be raking an existing stand, or what species is suitable for planting if establishing a new stand. ![]() ![]() However, there are various things to consider before planning to rake pine straw on your property. Forest landowners can successfully include pine straw production as a source of additional income from suitable timberlands when implemented as part of their overall forest management plan. The qualities that make pine straw an essential part of a woodland ecosystem, such as moisture-holding capacity, protection for roots against temperature extremes, providing natural fertilizer, and protecting soils by reducing erosion, also make it a desirable addition to landscaped areas. Pine straw has become a favored mulch on residential and commercial sites. ![]() With spring weather and homeowners turning their focus to outdoor projects, pine straw sales are beginning to pick up quickly.
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