[{"id":717,"date":"2026-05-26T13:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=717"},"modified":"2026-05-26T13:44:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:44:47","slug":"how-trees-work-and-the-impacts-of-drought-on-south-carolina-trees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/how-trees-work-and-the-impacts-of-drought-on-south-carolina-trees\/","title":{"rendered":"How Trees Work and the Impacts of Drought on South Carolina Trees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s been a dry spring in South Carolina, and as of mid-May the entire state is experiencing some level of drought, with over 70% of the state under extreme drought conditions (Figure 1). This, of course, isn\u2019t great for the flora of our state \u2013 including our trees!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Map
Figure caption: Status of drought in South Carolina as of mid-May 2026 (from https:\/\/droughtmonitor.unl.edu\/).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We are fortunate to have trees growing throughout our state, from the middle of urban areas to vast rural acreages. Trees in managed landscapes may benefit from supplemental irrigation during droughty times, while those in more rural areas are at the whim of Mother Nature. Regardless, trees typically respond the same when under drought stress and undergo the same general process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When drought occurs, the lack of available water is sensed by the tree. Then two things happen: first, the tree essentially shuts down food production by closing stomata (small openings on the leaves which are essential for photosynthesis) to prevent water loss. This, unfortunately, also ceases the ability of that leaf to make food. Second, the tree pulls food reserves from the storage roots and stump and uses them to produce additional fine roots. Growing additional fine roots is a strategy to attempt to find water. If this doesn\u2019t work, the tree more or less shifts into survival mode and begins to allow tissues to die in an attempt to save the tree as a whole. Typically, this starts with some foliage (e.g., tulip poplars are notorious for dropping leaves at the first hint of summer dryness), but smaller twigs and roots might also be \u201csacrificed.\u201d If water is still not available or found, then larger parts of the tree begin to die and we see the typical tree decline that precedes tree death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a step back, understanding how trees work can help us understand why drought often leads to insect and fungal issues. Trees use the energy they make (through photosynthesis) in certain ways. There are 7 main things trees use energy for, and they are (in order of priority):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Maintain respiration \u2013 this just means to \u201cbreathe\u201d and stay alive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Produce fine roots and leaves \u2013 this means to make the tissues that gather the water (i.e., fine roots) and make the food (i.e., photosynthesize).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Produce flowers and seeds (reproduce).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Extend branches (get bigger and increase the ability to make leaves, which will increase the tree\u2019s ability to make food).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Store energy rich chemicals (adding carbohydrates to the large storage roots and\/or stump to help the tree repair after an injury or reflush after losing foliage).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Add wood to stems, roots and branches (grow larger).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Create anti-pest chemicals for defense (i.e., protect itself from herbivores and fungi).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Did you notice where trees prioritize protecting themselves from pests? LAST! Only after all those other physiological things, like staying alive, growing and reproducing, are satisfied do trees allocate energy to protecting themselves from pests. This is the main reason why anytime a tree is not getting enough resources \u2013 whether that\u2019s water, sunlight or nutrition \u2013 the tree becomes more susceptible to pests. Trees need resources to protect themselves, just like people need to eat a balanced, healthy diet to stay healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Considering all of this, it is a reasonable expectation to see an increase in impacts from pests during droughty times. Hardwoods may simply lose leaves, while pines typically turn yellow\/brown after a certain level of drought. There is not much we can do in natural areas, though managing (especially reducing) the basal area or competition can help \u2013 when there is less stem volume on a tract, there is more water for each stem. Trees in managed landscapes will benefit more from a thorough soaking once or twice a week rather than just a little water daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Proper management of your trees throughout their lifetime goes a long way towards creating a resilient forest. After all, we never know where, when or how long the next dry spell is going to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additional resources include:
    https:\/\/hgic.clemson.edu\/factsheet\/plants-that-tolerate-drought\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Dave Coyle<\/a>, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Specialist<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    It\u2019s been a dry spring in South Carolina, and as of mid-May the entire state is experiencing some level of drought, with over 70% of the state under extreme drought conditions (Figure 1). This, of course, isn\u2019t great for the flora of our state \u2013 including our trees! We are fortunate to have trees growing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90004],"tags":[91425,91429,91427,91428,91426],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dave-coyle","tag-drought","tag-how-trees-grow","tag-tree-drought","tag-tree-drought-signs","tag-tree-stress"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/717","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=717"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/717\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=717"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":711,"date":"2026-05-22T12:41:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T12:41:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=711"},"modified":"2026-05-22T14:29:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T14:29:32","slug":"importance-of-boundary-marking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/importance-of-boundary-marking\/","title":{"rendered":"Importance of Boundary Marking"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

    Boundary marking is the practice of establishing clear, visible markers that show the edges of a property. Normally, a professional surveyor uses equipment to set iron or concrete corner posts accurately. Surveyors also leave blazes or hack marks on trees between corner markers. Over time, these hack marks become very difficult to see. Paint is commonly used to reinforce these marks and must be reapplied every 5\u201310 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Defining boundary lines with paint is extremely important for protecting property rights by creating clear evidence of where one property ends and another begins. It also helps avoid disputes with neighbors over driveways, dog pens, buildings or other types of encroachment. In South Carolina, the purple paint law<\/a> states that marking property boundaries with purple paint is legally equivalent to posting \u201cNo Trespassing\u201d signs. This ensures your rights are protected and enforceable against hunting, trail riding or other unauthorized entry. While posting signs is still permissible, signs fade, weather and deteriorate much faster than paint applied to trees.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    The purple markings must be vertical lines that are at least 8 inches long and 2 inches wide and must be between 3 to 6 feet off the ground. Stephen Pohlman, \u00a92026 Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    To comply with the purple paint law in South Carolina, the purple markings must be vertical lines that are at least 8 inches long and 2 inches wide and must be between 3 to 6 feet off the ground. The marks must be on permanent objects, spaced no more than 100 yards apart and should be visible to anyone approaching the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sustainable forest management also depends on clearly defined property lines. When harvesting timber, constructing and maintaining firebreaks and roads and setting up blinds or tree stands for hunting, it is important to know exactly where boundaries are located to avoid accidental trespass and potential damage to neighboring property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well-maintained boundaries help reduce the risk of costly disputes, legal fees and disturbances during timber harvest or other forest activities. They also tend to improve relationships with neighbors and reduce the likelihood of fines or trespass-related complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author (s)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Mike Windhorn<\/a>, Area Forestry and Wildlife Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Boundary marking is the practice of establishing clear, visible markers that show the edges of a property. Normally, a professional surveyor uses equipment to set iron or concrete corner posts accurately. Surveyors also leave blazes or hack marks on trees between corner markers. Over time, these hack marks become very difficult to see. Paint is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91384],"tags":[91421,91424,91422,90541],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mike-windhorn","tag-boundary-marking","tag-no-trespassing","tag-purple-paint","tag-timber-management"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=711"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":704,"date":"2026-05-19T16:38:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T16:38:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=704"},"modified":"2026-05-29T13:04:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T13:04:00","slug":"felling-wedges-as-important-as-the-chainsaw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/felling-wedges-as-important-as-the-chainsaw\/","title":{"rendered":"Felling Wedges \u2013 As Important As The Chainsaw"},"content":{"rendered":"

    \n
    \"A
    Felling wedges come in different lengths and heel heights. Jaime Pohlman, \u00a92026 Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    In this article, I\u2019m going to explain everything you need to know about felling wedges and why they are important in your chainsaw inventory of tools. The felling wedge might look like a simple tool of humble importance, but in actuality, it might be the difference between success and a terrible accident while felling a tree. Felling wedges are primarily thought of as being used during the felling process, but they are equally important when bucking logs to help keep the saw kerf open and prevent pinching a chainsaw\u2019s bar. Also, splitting wedges should never be used as felling wedges. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, let\u2019s tackle some terminology. Felling<\/strong> is the act or process of cutting down a tree. A felling wedge<\/strong> refers to the object we are discussing in this article and its shape. Driving<\/strong> refers to the act of hitting a felling wedge with the flat part at the back of an axe or a sledgehammer. Hinge<\/strong> refers to the area of wood you leave connecting the stump to the tree\u2019s trunk to aid in guiding the tree to the ground. Saw kerf <\/strong>means the amount of wood removed or cut by the chainsaw\u2019s chain in a piece of wood. The phrase \u201cpinch<\/strong>\u201d means the chainsaw\u2019s bar has become stuck between the wood being cut as the saw kerf begins to close due to compression wood forces. Also, you will hear most people refer to felling wedges as \u201cwedges,\u201d but for this article, I will use \u201cfelling wedges\u201d as a descriptive term to discourage improvisation with homemade substitutes.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    Felling wedges should be inspected for wear and replaced when needed. Jaime Pohlman, \u00a92026, Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Today, felling wedges are made of high-impact plastic instead of steel. This is due to numerous safety concerns. When metal contacts metal, such as when a running chainsaw chain hits a metal felling wedge or an axe or sledgehammer strikes it, there is a risk of metal fragments flying off and injuring an eye. This is another reason safety glasses (currently ANSI Z87.1-rated or higher) are important. Plastic felling wedges, on the other hand, are safer because the saw chain can cut through them and they tend to deform rather than shatter dangerously. Keep in mind that safety glasses are still necessary, as pieces of plastic can break off during repeated impacts that cause mushrooming of the heel area. Some brands of plastic felling wedges are harder and more durable than others. When a felling wedge becomes heavily damaged or deeply cut by a chainsaw, it is time to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    Felling wedges come in different surface textures each with their own advantages to using them. Jaime Pohlman, \u00a92026 Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Felling wedges come in different surface textures: smooth, textured and barbed or spiked. Smooth is exactly as it sounds: slick. Textured is best described as a smooth-to-the-touch sandpaper-like texture that doesn’t make it slick but is often described as being a smooth felling wedge when purchasing. Barbed or spiked (depending on the manufacturer’s choice of wording) has a surface with rows of raised bumps to better aid in gripping.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Felling wedges come in various lengths and heel heights. Most tree fellers carry three sizes: 5.5-inch, 8-inch and 10- or 12-inch wedges. For most forest landowners working with trees less than 20 inches DBH, the 5.5-inch and 8-inch wedges are used most often. Larger field and yard trees require longer wedges. The 5.5-inch wedge is commonly used when bucking logs to prevent the chainsaw bar from being pinched. Most felling wedges have a 1-inch heel, which is the area struck with an axe or sledgehammer. The length and height of a felling wedge directly affect the mechanical advantage gained. Longer wedges have a more gradual taper, making them easier to drive into larger or heavier trees, especially when compensating for lean. As the wedge is driven in, it lifts one side of the hinge and helps guide the tree to fall in the desired direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stacking felling wedges during felling is dangerous because wedges can slip or be completely forced out. It is generally recommended to avoid stacking and instead use a wedge with a taller heel, such as 1.5- or 2-inch, instead of the standard 1-inch heel. However, if stacking is unavoidable, a barbed or spiked wedge is preferred. Operators often encounter this situation because taller wedges are less commonly stocked and may need to be specially ordered. Regardless, operators should always be prepared with the proper tools before starting a job.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    Wearing a felling harness or a wedge pouch is a good way to ensure your wedges are easily accessible. Jaime Pohlman, \u00a92026, Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Experience will help operators determine which wedge to use. If a single wedge is not enough, assess the situation and determine whether another wedge can be inserted (hopefully beside the original), to try to apply just enough pressure to lift the tree\u2019s weight off the original felling wedge. Then return to the original wedge position with another wedge better suited for the situation. Always be careful not to break the hinge wood. The hinge controls the direction of the fall. If the hinge breaks, control is lost and the tree will fall unpredictably based on gravity and existing conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I hope this article helps you understand the importance of the humble plastic felling wedge and why you should have several in different sizes and heel heights in your tool kit when cutting wood. Know your limits, seek training such as Clemson Extension\u2019s Chainsaw Operation Classes<\/a> and know when it is best to hire a professional for tree felling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Stephen Pohlman<\/a>, Cooperative Extension, Area Forestry and Wildlife Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In this article, I\u2019m going to explain everything you need to know about felling wedges and why they are important in your chainsaw inventory of tools. The felling wedge might look like a simple tool of humble importance, but in actuality, it might be the difference between success and a terrible accident while felling a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[87675],"tags":[91308,91418,91420,90541,91419],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stephen-pohlman","tag-chainsaw","tag-felling","tag-felling-wedges","tag-timber-management","tag-wedges"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=704"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=704"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":700,"date":"2026-05-18T17:55:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T17:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=700"},"modified":"2026-05-26T15:10:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T15:10:17","slug":"i-hope-that-thang-dont-bite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/i-hope-that-thang-dont-bite\/","title":{"rendered":"I Hope That Thang Don\u2019t Bite!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

    I imagine that the first time a human saw a Venus flytrap in action, they were stunned. The first person was a Native American, but if they were a Southerner, they might have said, \u201cI hope that thang don\u2019t bite.\u201d We call them carnivorous plants, but are they really carnivores? They don\u2019t obtain energy from their prey, but they do get nutrients. It is more like the animals are multivitamins for the plant. They can obtain up to 50% of their nitrogen and phosphorus from captured animals. The bigger question is how did this evolve? We don\u2019t know all the answers, but we do have some clues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Supplementing nutrients with animals has evolved independently at least 12 times over the 140 million-plus years that flowering plants have existed. The oldest fossilized carnivorous plant is from 35 to 47 million years ago. It is similar to Roridula<\/em> found in South Africa today. There have been at least six independent origins of pitfall traps, five of sticky traps, two of snap traps and one of lobster-pot trap. This bizarre strategy has repeatedly evolved in plants all over the world. Even more bizarre, they typically don\u2019t capture pollinators. How do they know the difference? The flowers are spatially separated from the trap.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    A pitcher plant (Sarracenia<\/em>) uses its colorful, nectar-lined lip and slick interior to lure insects, sending them sliding into a hidden trap where digestive enzymes turn prey into nutrients in the nutrient-poor soils of a bog. Robert Carter, \u00a92026 Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    With pitfall traps, leaves are modified to create a pool that is often filled with liquid. The simplest pitfall trap is found in some bromeliads. Rainwater collects in leaves that form a cup. This is common with bromeliads, but a few species absorb nutrients from insects that get trapped in the water. Pitcher plants (Sarracenia<\/em>) are a more complex pitfall trap, with individual leaves forming pitchers that may or may not be filled with water. Pitchers may have a hood to prevent excessive water collection. The plant often has nectaries (secreting a sweet substance) on the pitcher lip, produces odors and uses bright colors to lure unsuspecting prey to the slippery edge. The insect\u2019s sledding trip down the pitcher quickly goes awry as it encounters downward-pointing hairs that prevent movement upward. It travels to the pit to drown or, if no water is present, starves. Enzymes secreted into the pitcher break down the insect, leaving only the exoskeleton. Voil\u00e0, another multivitamin obtained. I am glad I can\u2019t fit in the trap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A lobster trap is similar to a pitcher; however, it can be easily entered but the exit is difficult to find. Plants such as parrot pitcher plants (Sarracenia psittacina<\/em>) have light-colored patches inside the hood that allow light to pass through. The insects try to exit through the lighter patches, end up bouncing off the pitcher wall and fall down the tube. Specialized cells called areoles allow the light to pass through. Once again, downward-pointing hairs force the prey to their doom at the bottom of the pitcher. How devious?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Plants such as butterworts (Pinguicula<\/em>) have tiny glands on the upper surface of their yellowish basal rosette. The glandular secretions give the leaves a buttery or greasy feel. Pinguicula<\/em> refers to \u201cgreasy one\u201d in Latin. When small insects such as gnats, thrips or springtails get trapped on the leaves, their struggle causes more fluid and digestive enzymes to be released. The leaf curls into a cup shape as nutrients are absorbed, then flattens out. To prevent the insect from decaying before nutrients are extracted, the leaf releases an antibacterial substance. Don\u2019t put this butter on your toast.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"a
    Tiny sundews (Drosera<\/em>) glisten among the grasses, their sticky, gland-tipped hairs acting like natural flypaper to trap insects and slowly curl inward for digestion. Robert Carter \u00a92026, Clemson Extension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Sundews (Drosera<\/em>) use a similar strategy. The leaves are long and threadlike or flattened like a spatula and covered with gland-tipped hairs that glisten in the sun. When an insect gets trapped in the sticky glands, the leaf begins to curl around the multivitamin. The more the insect struggles, the quicker the response. The leaf then secretes digestive enzymes and absorbs minerals. The deed is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bladderworts (Utricularia<\/em>) often live in open water and catch prey by suction. The prey is typically insect larvae or other tiny animals that swim or float. The bladder is like a suction bulb with a hairlike trigger. The hair senses movement and causes the bladder to suddenly fill with water and, hopefully, the prey. The motion is faster than the human eye can detect. Once inside the bladder, digestive enzymes break down the prey and nutrients are absorbed. Then the water is pumped out and the trap is reset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The most highly evolved method of capture is the snap trap of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula<\/em>). Prey enters a trap, brushes against trigger hairs and the trap quickly encloses it. Insects are attracted to the color, odor and nectaries of the modified leaf, which forms the trap. If an insect stimulates two or more trigger hairs in succession, the leaf quickly closes due to rapid changes in cell water pressure. The cells rapidly fill with water, causing them to expand and the trap to close. The more the insect struggles, the more tightly the trap closes. If there is no insect in the trap, it will reopen. The leaf trap secretes digestive enzymes that break down the fleshy portions of the insect. After about ten days, the trap reopens to release the exoskeleton and await the next meal. The trap can open and close seven times before it turns black and falls off. The trap essentially changes into a stomach by releasing digestive enzymes and then into an intestine to absorb nutrients. After it reopens, it becomes an insect attractant again. Talk about Jekyll and Hyde. They quickly go from beautiful and odiferous to digesting the unfortunate animal in a short period of time. During periods of water stress, the plant hormone abscisic acid causes trap closure to decline to reduce water use. For plants, water is a more important resource than nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All traps are modified leaves or parts of leaves, but the modified leaves sometimes act like roots by absorbing nutrients. All over the world, plants use the same genes found in roots to absorb nutrients, but they are activated in leaves instead. Here is another surprise: the traps use the same enzymes to digest prey and to protect themselves from bacteria, fungi and herbivorous insects. It is like they took their chemical weapons and started using them for digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you are walking through a bog observing these amazing carnivorous plants, just be grateful that \u201cthat thang don\u2019t bite.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Robert Carter<\/a>, Cooperative Extension, Area Forestry and Wildlife Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    I imagine that the first time a human saw a Venus flytrap in action, they were stunned. The first person was a Native American, but if they were a Southerner, they might have said, \u201cI hope that thang don\u2019t bite.\u201d We call them carnivorous plants, but are they really carnivores? They don\u2019t obtain energy from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91362],"tags":[898],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-robert-carter","tag-forestry"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/700","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=700"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/700\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=700"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=700"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=700"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=700"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":696,"date":"2026-05-13T17:25:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=696"},"modified":"2026-05-13T17:25:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:25:59","slug":"growing-season-prescribed-burning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/growing-season-prescribed-burning\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing Season Prescribed Burning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

    Why Do We Conduct Growing Season Burns<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    Growing season burns can be a great management tool to control hardwoods in pine stands. USDA Forest Service , USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    As spring turns to summer across South Carolina, many landowners notice a shift in prescribed fire activity. The smoke we were used to seeing during the winter months is now appearing later in the year. This sometimes prompts questions, concerns or even frustration. If prescribed fire already occurred during the dormant season, why burn again? And why burn when plants are actively growing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fire and the Natural Growing Season<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Historically, much of the Southeast experienced frequent fires during late spring and summer. Lightning-ignited fires were common during this period, and Indigenous peoples also used fire year round to manage landscapes. As a result, many of our native plant communities evolved with fire occurring during the growing season rather than just during winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While dormant season burns remain a valuable and widely used tool, they often favor hardwood resprouting and may not fully achieve certain wildlife or vegetation objectives. Growing season burns allow landowners and land managers to more closely mimic natural fire patterns and influence plant communities in more diverse and desirable ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Benefits of Growing Season Burns<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One of the primary advantages of growing season burns is greater control over hardwood encroachment. When hardwoods are actively growing, fire is more effective at top-killing stems and reducing root reserves. This is especially important in pine-dominated systems where maintaining an open understory is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growing season burns can also enhance wildlife habitat, particularly for species that depend on native grasses and forbs. Fire at this time of year often reduces dense woody growth while promoting herbaceous plants that provide food, nesting cover and brood-rearing habitat for species such as northern bobwhite quail, wild turkey and many pollinators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These burns help restore and maintain fire-adapted ecosystems such as longleaf pine savannas, pine flatwoods and open oak or oak\u2013pine woodlands by encouraging plant diversity and limiting species that thrive under long-term fire exclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Things to Consider Before Burning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Although growing season burning can be highly effective, it requires careful planning and experience. Fuel conditions are often more variable during this time of year, and weather windows may be narrower. Higher temperatures, increased humidity and active plant growth can affect fire behavior. Smoke management is also critical, particularly near roads, homes and sensitive areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Landowners should also consider timing and objectives. Not every growing season burn looks the same. Early growing season burns (late spring) may differ in effects from those conducted later in summer. Wildlife considerations such as nesting periods should be evaluated alongside management goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because of these factors, growing season burns are best conducted with trained personnel, a well-developed burn plan and appropriate equipment. Working with experienced prescribed fire practitioners or local professionals can greatly reduce risk while increasing success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Tool in the Toolbox<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growing season burns are not a replacement for dormant season burning, but rather another tool in the prescribed fire toolbox. When used intentionally and safely, they can help landowners meet long-term forest health, wildlife and restoration goals that may be difficult to achieve otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As we move into the growing season, Clemson Extension encourages landowners to learn more about how fire applied at the right time and under the right conditions can be one of the most effective and affordable land management practices available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Derrick Phinney<\/a>, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Why Do We Conduct Growing Season Burns As spring turns to summer across South Carolina, many landowners notice a shift in prescribed fire activity. The smoke we were used to seeing during the winter months is now appearing later in the year. This sometimes prompts questions, concerns or even frustration. If prescribed fire already occurred […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91263],"tags":[91416,91415,91417,91255],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-696","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-derrick-phinney","tag-growing-season-burns","tag-growing-season-prescribed-fire","tag-growing-season-fire","tag-prescribed-fire"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=696"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=696"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":694,"date":"2026-02-16T20:03:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=694"},"modified":"2026-02-16T20:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:03:39","slug":"forestry-herbicide-series-triclopyr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/forestry-herbicide-series-triclopyr\/","title":{"rendered":"Forestry Herbicide Series- Triclopyr"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

    Triclopyr was first registered for forestry use in 1979 and is currently used in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. With widespread use, there are over 200 products that contain triclopyr. As always, it is important to read the label, as it is the law and make sure the product you purchase has a forestry label and is labeled for your intended use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Triclopyr is a systemic herbicide that mimics the plant hormone auxin. This causes uncontrolled, disorganized plant growth, leading to a slow death, typically within weeks. Broadleaf herbs and woody species are the target species, making triclopyr a selective herbicide. There are two basic formulations used in forestry: triethylamine salt (commonly known as Triclopyr 3) and butoxyethyl ester (commonly known as Triclopyr 4). Triclopyr 3 is water-soluble, whereas triclopyr 4 is oil-soluble (bark treatments) and water-soluble (foliar treatments). Triclopyr 4 can volatilize at temperatures above 85\u00b0 F. Triclopyr 3 does not have that risk. Neither formulation has soil activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Triclopyr can be used in all facets of forest management. It is commonly used in site preparation tank mixes, conifer release (directed spray application), mid-rotation vegetation control, and spot treatments for invasive species and other competitive vegetation. With conifer release, one needs to read the label on the application because triclopyr can kill pines. Application techniques range from basal bark, cut-stump, foliar, and hack-and-squirt. For basal bark applications, one would use butoxyethyl ester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common Triclopyr Products that Contain a Forestry Label<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    triethylamine salt (Triclopyr 3)<\/strong><\/td>butoxyethyl ester (Triclopyr 4)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Garlon 3A<\/td>Garlon 4<\/td><\/tr>
    Alligare Triclopyr 3<\/td>Remedy Ultra<\/td><\/tr>
    Vastlan<\/td>Pathfinder<\/td><\/tr>
    <\/td>Alligare Triclopyr 4<\/td><\/tr>
    <\/td>Boulder 6.3<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    As with any herbicide, I would recommend contacting your local Extension Agent. It is important to identify the weeds you want to control, the crop trees you want to protect, and any sensitive areas that do not need to be sprayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Jeff Fellers<\/a>, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Agent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Triclopyr was first registered for forestry use in 1979 and is currently used in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings. With widespread use, there are over 200 products that contain triclopyr. As always, it is important to read the label, as it is the law and make sure the product you purchase has a forestry label […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90519],"tags":[91414,91413],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-jeff-fellers","tag-herbicides","tag-triclopyr"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=694"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/694\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=694"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":691,"date":"2026-02-16T18:53:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:53:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=691"},"modified":"2026-02-16T18:53:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:53:12","slug":"stumpage-price-trends-in-south-carolina-for-the-q4-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/stumpage-price-trends-in-south-carolina-for-the-q4-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Stumpage Price Trends in South Carolina for the Q4, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

    South Carolina Hardwood Pulpwood Prices Show Mixed Trends<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    Figure 1. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine pulpwood prices declined by approximately 10%, while hardwood pulpwood prices increased by about 40%. Puskar Khanal, Clemson Univeristy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average statewide stumpage prices for pine and hardwood pulpwood in South Carolina were $5.00 per ton and $6.30 per ton, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine pulpwood prices declined by approximately 10%, while hardwood pulpwood prices increased by about 40%. This substantial percentage increase for hardwood pulpwood should be viewed in the context that prices reached their lowest level in the prior quarter before this recent rebound. Following the increase, hardwood pulpwood prices have returned to levels like those at the beginning of 2025, whereas pine pulpwood prices have continued to trend downward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Both pine and hardwood pulpwood prices remain at lower levels relative to the past three years. Overall, pulpwood prices in 2025 have been disappointing for South Carolina forest landowners, as weak market conditions have persisted throughout the year with limited signs of meaningful recovery, particularly in the pine pulpwood segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    South Carolina Sawtimber Prices Show Mixed Trends<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"A
    Figure 2. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine sawtimber prices declined by about 20%, while hardwood sawtimber prices increased by about 9%. Puskar Khanal, Clemson University.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    In the fourth quarter of 2025, statewide average stumpage prices for pine and hardwood sawtimber in South Carolina were $18.40 per ton and $17.40 per ton, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine sawtimber prices declined by about 20%, while hardwood sawtimber prices increased by about 9%. Both pulpwood and sawtimber stumpage prices for pine trees fell during the quarter, reflecting the emerging impacts of recent mill closures on local demand and stumpage values. Hardwood sawtimber prices rebounded slightly from their low point in the prior quarter, though they remain below levels observed at the beginning of 2025. Overall, pine sawtimber prices declined by roughly 20% year-to-date, while hardwood sawtimber prices fell by about 9% compared to the start of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In summary, the sawtimber stumpage market in South Carolina remained challenging for forest landowners throughout 2025, with persistently low prices. While hardwood prices showed some modest improvement, they stayed near multi-year lows. Pine sawtimber prices continued a steady downward trend over the years, underscoring a difficult market environment statewide influenced by mill closures and broader demand pressures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wood Market is Local<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stumpage prices for both sawtimber and pulpwood in your local markets could vary significantly as compared to the above statewide averages depending on: size and species composition, quality of timber, total acres and volume, logging operability, distance from nearby mills, and overall market condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Data credit: The sawtimber and pulpwood price data included in this newsletter are published with permission from TimberMart-South Athens, GA 30605 email tmart@timbermart-south.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Puskar Khanal<\/a>, Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife Specialist<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sex, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    South Carolina Hardwood Pulpwood Prices Show Mixed Trends In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average statewide stumpage prices for pine and hardwood pulpwood in South Carolina were $5.00 per ton and $6.30 per ton, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2025, pine pulpwood prices declined by approximately 10%, while hardwood pulpwood prices increased […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3880,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[90516],"tags":[90535,86357,86208,86094],"coauthors":[91346],"class_list":["post-691","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-puskar-khanal","tag-market-update","tag-pulpwood","tag-sawtimber","tag-timber-market"],"fimg_url":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/691","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3880"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=691"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/691\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=691"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":688,"date":"2026-02-16T15:05:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T15:05:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/?p=688"},"modified":"2026-02-16T15:05:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T15:05:23","slug":"invasive-species-spotlight-autumn-olive-and-thorny-olive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.clemson.edu\/fnr\/invasive-species-spotlight-autumn-olive-and-thorny-olive\/","title":{"rendered":"Invasive Species Spotlight- Autumn Olive and Thorny Olive"},"content":{"rendered":"

    \n
    \"a
    Thorny olive foliage. Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    When I visit with landowners, I have noticed thickets of thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens<\/em>) and\/or autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata<\/em>) throughout woodlands, especially in bottom lands. It was introduced from China and Japan in the 1830s and was widely planted for wildlife habitat and ornamental purposes. While animals do like the fruits from these olives, they outcompete our native plants, and they are listed as a non-native invasive species. American Beautyberry is a good native alternative to olives and benefits wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Thorny olive and autumn olive can look similar to one another, but they do have some differences that help with identification. Thorny olive is an evergreen shrub that will grow between 3 to 25 feet in height. The branches have thorns scattered with thick leaves that are silver-brown on their underside. Autumn olive is a deciduous shrub that grows 3 to 20 feet in height. It will also have scattered thorns along the branches, with a silvery underside to the leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The leaves of the thorny olive are alternate and oval to elliptic. The leaves range in size from 0.4 to 4 inches long. The margins are irregular and wavy. Autumn olive leaves range from 2-3 inches long and all the leaves will be elliptic in shape.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"silvery-green
    Autumn olive foliage. Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The timing of the flowers and fruit can also help in identification. Thorny olive flowers from October to December, while autumn olive flowers from February to June. Fruits of the thorny olive will set from March to June, while the autumn olive sets its fruit from August to November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Control Methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Control methods for both thorny olive and autumn olive are similar and listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n