Initial planting densities for loblolly pine plantations in the Southeastern U.S.

Market forces and innovations in forest management necessitate changes in the numbers of seedlings now needed to establish a financially successful loblolly pine plantation. The planting densities of 700 or more trees per acre that worked well a generation ago can give way to densities between 300 to 600 trees per acre. Simply put, forest landowners can grow more high-value timber by planting less. Planting at low densities, however, is most successful if the landowner plants high-quality seedlings suitable for the site, controls early competition, ameliorates soil problems as dictated by the site, and applies any necessary treatments to control regeneration pests.

Initial planting densities for loblolly pine plantations in the Southeastern U.S. Academic Article