I'd like to thank everyone who responded to my question on the mechanical removal of hardwoods within a pine stand in southcentral Georgia, USA, to restore the "natural" pine system that once existed there. A summary of the responses follows. We are still continuing with our decision process and haven't settled on any one or combination of treatments to apply. Once again, thanks to everyone who helped! Gregory Lee Department of Air Force 1. Girdling: Several persons suggested girdling the hardwoods instead of mechanical removal. They stated that girdling would reduce resprouting depending on season of application, reduce the potential for root disease problems, and would slow nutrient release, especially the leaching of nitrogen, when compared to mechanical or chemical treatments. Additionally, they suggested that the standing dead stems would provide a substrate for feeding piciformes. 2. Commercial Chipping: Several persons suggested contacting a commercial company to have them chip the hardwoods. They stated that commercial chippers would be able to take trees equal to or greater than 5 inches diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground. However, most of the responders stated they would have the contractor remove any chips from the site or at least spread them over the area. Concerns were raised over the residual effects of the chips on the site, from creating a fuel hazard/smoke hazard in future prescribed burns to possible deleterious effects on herbaceous vegetation and small animal populations, especially amphibians. 3. Removal through Firewood Contracts: Two persons suggested we could have the hardwoods removed as part of an overall firewood project, either commercial or through an installation employee project. 4. Mechanical Removal: Two persons suggested using low ground pressure equipment to remove the hardwood stems from within the stand. The machines they mentioned would chip the smaller trees (less than 10 inches diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground) with little negative impact on soil conditions. 5. Selective Treatment with Herbicides: Several persons stated that selective treatment with herbicides, either with injectors or hypo hatchets, would be the most economical and effective way to remove the hardwoods with a minimum of resprouting.
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