FORESTRY UNDERSTORY HERBICIDING FAQ’S
1. When is herbicide application warranted?
Herbicide applications are associated with timber harvests that are designed to promote regeneration. If a timber harvest area has more than 40-50% competitive ground cover, then herbiciding is a very effective way to eliminate the ground cover that will compete with regeneration.
2. What types of vegetation cover can be controlled?
With the proper herbicide application, ferns, beech brush, striped maple, spice bush, multiflora rose, mountain laurel, grasses, and other species can be effectively controlled.
3. What herbicide products are most commonly used in the forest industry?
-Glyphosate products: The one our company most commonly uses is Accord® Concentrate.
-Oust®
-Garlon* 3A
-Escort®
The products that we use on your site will be determined by what vegetation is present. Contact us for specific information.
4. When is the best time to spray?
Depending on your location, the spray season runs from early June through mid-September or until frost. Fern, beech brush, and multiflora rose can be effectively controlled when full leaf out has occurred. Better results for striped maple will be achieved if not sprayed until August or September.
5. Should we spray before or after the timber harvest?
Many factors weigh in this decision, which are:
-harvest schedule
-type of harvest
-terrain
-vegetation to be controlled
-seed source
6. How soon after the herbicide application should we see results?
It generally takes 4-8 weeks to see the full effect. If a late season application has occurred, you will see your best results in the following growing season.
7. How long must we stay out of an application site?
12-48 hours, depending on the products used.
8. How soon may timber harvest begin, after a herbicide application?
A minimum of 4 weeks, and if schedules permit, 8.
9. How much vegetation control can we expect and how much is enough?
Generally, we achieve a 90-100% kill. The more control we have, the bigger the window for regeneration is. But it is not necessary to have a complete kill to have successful regeneration. 80% kill is satisfactory.
10. How long will the herbicide treatment remain effective?
If you have achieved an 80% or better kill, your herbicide treatment should remain effective 3-5 years. There are other tools that can be used to extend that window, such as deer fencing.
11. Can conifers be released?
Yes. Glyphosate products can be used to control hardwoods and herbaceous vegetations in pine plantations. Application can be made only after the buds set, late August or September.
12. What’s the cost?
We quote according to terrain, acreage volume, and vegetation. Call us for more information.
