Tuckaway Acres

Timber

In 2019, the upland merchantable timber of the tract was harvested. The tract has additional merchantable timber within the
natural bottomland hardwood stands that follow the run of the drainage system. However, state best management practices limit the amount of harvest that can take place within these areas to protect the integrity of the streams. No merchantable timber volume or value is currently assigned to this tract.

The upland areas were replanted with genetically improved loblolly pine in the winter of 2021. The acreages total approximately 40 and should grow vigorously over the next several years for timber management.

A thinning should take place at or near age 15, generating some timber income, but primarily to keep the plantation healthy and growing and help it transition into higher-value timber products such as saw timber. Timing this thinning at or near
age 15 is very important to gain these benefits. Additionally, the thinning will contribute significantly to wildlife value
and diversity.

To maximize return on timber value, a woody release and fertilizing post-thinning can be conducted. The plantation should
be ready for a second thin at or near age 21 and reach full financial maturity between the ages of 25 and 28, at which time a final harvest can be conducted to capture its value if that is the landowner’s objective.

Alternatively, if the landowner’s objective is to enhance aesthetics and wildlife value after age 15, thinning and a prescribed burning regimen can begin every two or three years. Conducting control burns will enhance wildlife value, reduce the risk of loss to wildfire, improve aesthetics, and control undesired species within the plantation.

While the hardwood-dominated acreage that follows the creek has marketable value, most landowners choose to leave these stands intact to protect the integrity of the stream and add diversity to the property. This tract has a good representation of white oak within this area that produces acorns, which provide an excellent wildlife food source during the fall of the year.