Woodlot Management

Small, well-managed forested areas can provide many benefits—from the production of valuable timber like black walnut or wood for home fuel needs, to the raising of additional income from such specialty forest crops as mushrooms or ginseng. Even small woodlots can offer big rewards.

The riparian forest at Arbor Day Farm is an example of a woodland that has the potential to yield products as diverse as fruit, nuts, woody decorative florals, specialty wood and lumber, or even walking sticks crafted from sumac, hickory, and aspen saplings.

Principles you can use…

Whether you’re the owner of a small woodlot, suitable for nut tree growing, or are interested in raising trees for use as fuelwood in home heating, woodlot management merits consideration. It’s crucial to select the right trees your soil and climate conditions, as well as for the size of trees appropriate for available space. If you’re considering growing products for additional income, it’s wise to research outlets and markets for these products in your area.

To learn more…

Publications:

Free publications from The Arbor Day Foundation will give you tips on woodlot management, marketing specialty forestry products, proper tree selection, and other conservation practices:

For your free copy of “The Tree Book” and “Conservation Trees for Your Farm, Family, and Future,” write to: The National Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.

To receive “Marketing Specialty Forest Products,” “Hybrid Hazelnuts: an Agroforestry Opportunity,” and “Productive Conservation: Growing Specialty Forest Products in Agroforestry Plantings,” write to The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Web sites:

More information woodlot management and tree care can be found at the following Web sites:

The Arbor Day Foundation - for additional planting information or to order the “Conservation Trees” booklet on-line, or visit our tree store to learn about or order trees suitable for your woodlot location

The Natural Resources Conservation Service – for helpful information on tree selection, planting, and care

http://www.agroforester.com - for information on agroforestry and raising specialty forest products

The National Agroforestry Center – to receive pdf files of “Marketing Specialty Forest Products” , “Hybrid Hazelnuts: an Agroforestry Opportunity ”, and “Productive Conservation: Growing Specialty Forest Products in Agroforestry Plantings"