Planting Southern Pines: A Guide to Species Selection and Planting Techniques

As more landowners become involved with tree planting, they learn that proper species selection and careful handling and care of seedlings are vitally important in the success of their reforestation investments. Use this bulletin as a guide for selecting the proper species and in handling seedlings throughout all phases of tree planting.

Species Deployment Strategies for the Southern Pines: Site Specific Management Practices for the Flat Woods of Georgia and Florida

Four species of southern pine are commonly planted in the Coastal Plain of Georgia and Florida: slash pine ( Pinus elliottii), loblolly pine ( P. taeda), longleaf pine ( P. palustris), or sand pine ( P. clausa). These species vary greatly in their site requirements and growth rates. Appropriate deployment decisions must be made in order to insure adequate survival, growth and yield of plantations. Species deployment options based on the silvical characteristics of the four species and soil properties in the Flatwoods are discussed. A species deployment decision key is presented that provides site specific recommendations for in the planting southern pines in the Flatwoods based on the CRIFF soil group classification system.

Thomas R. Fox, Associate Professor of Silviculture and Forest Soils, Department of Forestry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061.