Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife

Pine Stand Thinning

Three-year-old planted lobolly pine exhibiting apical dominance.

Forest management practices are recommended for various reasons to meet landowner management objectives, including generating income, improving habitat for wildlife species, and, most importantly, maintaining a healthy, productive forest.  Properly timed thinnings in natural and planted pine stands will provide all these benefits. Thinnings are “intermediate cuttings that are aimed primarily at controlling the growth […]