Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife

Does It Still Pay to Grow Trees?

Tall trees growing in rows

“Money doesn’t grow on trees” is a saying often heard by those who are spendthrifts. However, for many of South Carolina’s forest landowners, money has grown from their trees for many decades and provided a reliable source of income for their families. Unfortunately, South Carolina’s timber industry has had its share of bad news over […]

What are Prescribed Fire Associations, and Why Should You Join One?

a large group of people looking at an active prescribed burn. f

Prescribed fire is an essential tool in forest management; however, many landowners are intimidated by its use. There are also specialized tools and equipment necessary to conduct a prescribed burn that not all landowners may have. This is where prescribed fire associations (PBA) (also called prescribed burn cooperatives) come in! A PBA is a group […]

What’s Wrong With My Dogwood Tree?

Tree on the left has little to no leaves while the tree on the right is fully leafed out.

Dogwood trees (Cornus species) are one of South Carolina’s beautiful flowering tree species, blooming in early spring. Their white flowers can often be seen in the forest understory before most other trees have leafed out, and many people have them as a part of their landscape. But, sometimes, that dogwood in your yard might not […]

Forestry Herbicide Series- Herbicide Basics

a woman using a backpack sprayer to apply a foliar herbicide.

Herbicides are an invaluable tool in forest management for controlling undesirable vegetation. To use them safely and effectively, one must understand a few basic principles. This article is the first in a series of articles on herbicides for forestry applications. To start, we will look at the basic principles one must understand to utilize herbicides. […]

Pond Owner Assessment Checklist for Earthen Embankment Dams

Click here for a print-friendly pdf version This checklist is designed for use by all dam owners in South Carolina. It is recommended that pond owners perform dam assessments semi-annually and after large storm events. Dams regulated as part of the SC DHEC Dam Safety Program may have additional requirements for inspection, maintenance, and/or repair. […]

Stumpage Price Trends and Logging Industry in South Carolina

graph with red and blue lines showing the difference in prices in pine and hardwood pulpwood stumpage prices.

Pulpwood Stumpage Trends in Q4, 2023: South Carolina statewide average pine pulpwood prices were $7.59/ton, and the hardwood pulpwood prices were $7.84/ton in the 4th quarter. Compared to pine and hardwood pulpwood prices in the previous quarter (3rd), it is an increase of 7% and 24%, respectively. Pulpwood prices were doing relatively better at the beginning […]