Forest management - pay now, gain later!

Over four hundred and fifty forest owners were told during a nationwide series of Teagasc forest walks that by doing some work in their forests now, increased profits can be gained later on.

Head of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Unit, Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, said; “Unlike most other on-farm crops, forestry is a long-term enterprise. It is important to think many years ahead as your actions now will determine the profits you reap at the time of harvesting your timber crop.”

Speaking after an event held in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim with the theme of “Formative Shaping of Broadleaves”, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, Noel Kennedy said that it is crucial to shape young broadleaves now if you wish to grow quality timber later on. He explained further, “If this operation is not carried out while the trees are still very young - maybe only four years old - then in fifty years from now, people will be very, very disappointed with the value of these hardwoods.”

These events were organised by Teagasc in association with the Forest Service and covered a range of topics including preparing for thinning, formative shaping, vegetation control and managing broadleaves.

Nuala Ni Fhlatharta said that, “Forest owners need to decide now if they wish to grow low value firewood, or valuable hardwood timber later on. Management tasks such as formative shaping determine that”.

For further information, contact your local Teagasc Forestry Development Officer or log on to www.teagasc.ie/forestry