Forest management in the South has intensified over the past two decades, and this trend is expected to continue.
Intensive planted pine technology nearly doubles growth-and-yield rates and offers superior investment returns compared to more traditional management composed only of site preparation and planting.
Planted pine management intensity is expected to continue to grow as forest industry and timberland management organizations increase investment on their land.
Hardwood forests are managed less intensively in natural stands.
Intensive management is difficult and more expensive on smaller tracts; increasing fragmentation of forests in the South will exert downward pressure on management intensity.
Forestry incentives programs have supported tree planting, management planning, and improvement of forest management practices, substantially increasing planted pine area, timber production returns, and environmental benefits.
