Forest Management - Ask Extension
Is thinning a forest beneficial to the trees? Asking on behalf of private land that I own with wild forest acreage on Beaver Island, MI. I've been en...
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Forest Management #872285
Asked June 09, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT
Is thinning a forest beneficial to the trees? Asking on behalf of private land that I own with wild forest acreage on Beaver Island, MI. I've been encouraged to cut some trees down "for the health of the forest." Thank you!
Charlevoix County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, thinning can be beneficial to the trees that remain in a forest. Each forest type is a bit different in how the trees respond to thinning, so you may want to talk to a consulting forester before cutting trees. A person that comes to mind is Josh Shields, the District forester for Manistee County. He is a service forester, and can certainly provide assistance through a phone call.
Josh Shields,<personal data hidden> x102.
If Josh is not available, I could also certainly help, given some detail about the species of trees growing on the site.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tree_growth_can_be_improved_by_thinning_forest_stands
Thank you,
-Julie
Yes, thinning can be beneficial to the trees that remain in a forest. Each forest type is a bit different in how the trees respond to thinning, so you may want to talk to a consulting forester before cutting trees. A person that comes to mind is Josh Shields, the District forester for Manistee County. He is a service forester, and can certainly provide assistance through a phone call.
Josh Shields,<personal data hidden> x102.
If Josh is not available, I could also certainly help, given some detail about the species of trees growing on the site.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tree_growth_can_be_improved_by_thinning_forest_stands
Thank you,
-Julie
