A expert will study your management objectives and help you select the appropriate species, determine THERE IS NO BETTER TIME THAN how densely it should be planted and develop follow-up NOW TO REFOREST YOUR LAND. activities. For example: if your overall objective is boosting Common Methods: income, then reforesting with a species (such as Advanced Natural Regeneration loblolly) in a style (systematic rows and spacing) In some areas, harvesting practices encourage may be recommended. But if your objective is to increase abundant regeneration and planting is not necessary. wildlife while providing supplemental income, However, it’s critical to plan for the protection of existing reforesting with pine and hardwood may be recommended. softwood or hardwood tree seedlings or sprouts in the understory during and after the . No matter the management objective, prompt reforestation

or is the key. The sooner are replanted, Natural Regeneration after Harvest the sooner they can begin growing and helping you This happens when seeds in the ground or from nearby achieve your management goals. Prompt efforts ensure trees germinate after the harvest. Most hardwood a sustainable supply of and maximize your income species also can reestablish themselves through opportunity while also ensuring that trees and — sprouting from the roots or stump. TREES ARE THE and the benefits they provide — will be around for future

generations. Artificial Regeneration The planting of softwood or hardwood tree seedlings There is assistance with reforestation and afforestation by hand or machine. This method gives you more ANSWER costs. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), control of your forest composition and often is more the Farm Service Agency, the Texas A&M Forest Service, and compatible with your business management goals. THE IMPORTANCE OF REFORESTATION & other professional can assist you in applying for state and federal cost share funds. The pine seedlings being planted today, through AFFORESTATION selection, and advanced techniques have increased yields from 15% to 25% per acre and have INCOME OFTEN BEGINS AROUND AGE 12 AND reduced the length of time from planting to harvest. You love your forestland, and you want it to thrive — Management goals vary from landowner to landowner. CAN CONTINUE ON FOR MANY YEARS. A TYPICAL now and for generations to come. But do you actually Some plant trees so that they may one day be In addition: RATE OF RETURN FOR A WELL-MANAGED FOREST IS • Advances in and fertilizers have enabled have a management plan in place to ensure that it will? harvested, sold for income and then used to make ABOUT 12% ANNUALLY. THAT’S NOT TO MENTION landowners to increase survival and growth. There’s no better time than now to begin planning for homes, furniture, paper and other wood-based • The Texas A&M Forest Service District Forest offices the future management of your piece of Texas. products. Some plant trees to create habitats for wildlife THE OTHER BENEFITS FROM RECREATIONAL assist with reforestation in all East Texas Counties. and improve the quality of the air we breathe and the OPPORTUNITIES, PROTECTING WATER RESOURCES, • Consulting foresters serve East Texas, assisting landowners to plant and manage their timber. As a forest landowner your goals — water we drink. Others plant trees simply because they AND PROVIDING Calling on either of these professionals is the best whatever they may be — should be the focus of your enjoy the beauty they bring to the land. FOR WILDLIFE THAT CALL YOUR step you can take toward a successful planting job on your property. plan. But as you work toward your goals, make sure you PROPERTY HOME. take advantage of every opportunity to replace trees There are several factors to consider when planning • A list of professionals who provide planting services ( applications, mechanical site- that have been removed. reforestation or afforestation, which is why you should preparation, planting services) can be found at consult with a professional or other qualified The application and funding process can take several the Texas A&M Forest Service web site: http:// This can be done in two ways: reforestation and natural resources professional before beginning a months so landowners should plan reforestation activities texasforestservice.tamu.edu/uploadedfiles/FRD/ afforestation. Reforestation is the natural or intentional project. Proper can help you meet VendorList.pdf. and file their applications well in advance. • A list of professional Foresters can be found at restocking of existing forests and after multiple goals while providing a variety of benefits for the Texas A&M Forest Service website: http:// trees have been removed through harvesting, both you and your fellow Texans. In some cases, reforestation expenses can be deducted texasforestservice.tamu.edu/uploadedfiles/frd/ or natural disasters. Afforestation involves planting from your taxable income. Landowners should check with referral.pdf trees and establishing and forests in areas that • The Texas Association and the Texas a qualified forester or tax advisor to learn more about Council promote safe and environmentally previously had no tree cover, such as old agricultural the deductions and ensure all federal tax laws are being sound harvesting. fields and pastures. followed. • There are state laws that lower property taxes for forestland.

12 Handout provided by the Texas SFI Implementation Committee, 2016 Landowner’s Guide to 13