South Carolina residents should be on the lookout for another invader: the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Originally from Southeastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly (SLF) was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and is now established in 14 surrounding states, reaching as far south as North Carolina. Spotted lanternfly prefers Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) […]
Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife
Spring Cleaning is for the Birds
After the arctic freeze we experienced a short time ago, you may not believe Spring will be upon us soon, but it will. Tennyson reminds us what a young man’s fancy turns to when Spring comes, and the same applies to other animals. Male Eastern bluebirds will soon be singing forcefully, defending their territory and […]
Stumpage Price Trends in South Carolina for Q3, 2024
Pulpwood Stumpage Trends in Q3, 2024: South Carolina statewide average pine pulpwood prices were $8.66/ton, and the hardwood pulpwood prices were $10.18/ton in the 3rd quarter of 2024. Compared to the pine and hardwood pulpwood prices in the previous quarter (Q2 of 2024), it is an increase of 14% and 2%, respectively. Pine pulpwood prices […]
Does It Still Pay to Grow Trees?
This article originally was published in the Times and Democrat newspaper on October 26, 2024. “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 […]
What are Prescribed Fire Associations, and Why Should You Join One?
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 […]
Stumpage Price Trends in South Carolina and Climate Smart Forestry
Pulpwood Stumpage Trends in Q1, 2024: South Carolina statewide average pine pulpwood prices were $8.12/ton, and the hardwood pulpwood prices were $9.21/ton in the 1st quarter of 2024. Compared to the pine and hardwood pulpwood prices in the previous quarter (4th of 2023), it is an increase of 7% and 17%, respectively. The change in […]
What’s Wrong With My Dogwood Tree?
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 […]
Basal Area: What It Means and How to Measure It
If you have had interactions with a forester before or read forestry-related articles, you probably have heard the term basal area mentioned at some point. For some reason, basal area has always seemed to be this mystical term that folks struggle with understanding what it is and why it’s important. In this article, we will […]
Forestry Herbicide Series- Herbicide Basics
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. […]
