Reforestation is Oregon law
Reforesting your land begins with planting trees the right way. In some cases, seedlings naturally regenerate from seeds produced by nearby trees, reducing or even eliminating the need to plant. However, natural regeneration doesn’t always occur as quickly or with the species we desire. When conditions aren’t favorable, hand-planting tree seedlings is often the best option to ensure a healthy, thriving forest.
A successful tree planting project involves several critical steps, from preparing the site for the planting and selecting the right species to caring for young seedlings. By planning and following best practices, you can set the foundation for your forest’s future.
The scale of your tree planting project can vary widely depending on your goals and the size of your land. Whether you’re planting a few trees to restore a small area or reforesting dozens of acres after a timber harvest, it’s important to tailor your approach to match the scale of the operation.
Small-scale planting projects
For smaller areas, such as an afforestation of old pastureland or a small clearcut, planting can often be done by hand with the help of a few people. These projects are manageable for individual landowners and may only require basic tools like planting shovels or dibbles.
Large-scale reforestation
If you’re replanting a large area, such as following a harvest or wildfire, working with a tree planting crew can save time and ensure consistency. Professional crews have the experience, workforce and equipment to plant large numbers of seedlings efficiently while following best practices for reforestation.
Get help, trees and information
To make your reforestation efforts successful, you’ll need the right resources and support. Whether you’re meeting Oregon’s reforestation rules, restoring after a wildfire or planting trees for wildlife habitat, these tools can help you every step of the way:
- Get advice
Connect with local foresters, Oregon State University Extension Service specialists or stewardship foresters for guidance on species selection, site preparation and planting techniques. - Contract templates:
The Oregon State University Extension Service publication Contracts for Woodland Owners describes basic principles of contract law for typical forestry operations, including a tree planting contract in Appendix 6. - Seedling sources and contractors:
The Oregon Forest Industry Directory includes information on nurseries and seedling suppliers that offer native species tailored to Oregon’s diverse environments, along with a directory of forestry contractors. - Tips for ongoing care:
The Oregon State University Extension Service’s publication The Care and Planting of Tree Seedlings on Your Woodland discusses proper seedling planting techniques, including timing, tree spacing, planting spot selection and tools.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
PUBLICATIONS
Establishing and Managing Forest Trees in Western Oregon
This booklet from the Oregon Forest Resources Institute describes tree species that grow best west of the Cascades, along with tips for planting and tending to them.
Managing Logging Slash Piles in Northwest Oregon
This Oregon Forest Resources Institute publication has gathered the best management practices for burning the woody debris from logging that’s not left for nutrients, firewood or wildlife purposes. The goal of this publication is to reduce fire hazards on the landscape and assist landowners with safely creating and burning slash piles.
Successful Reforestation: An Overview
This publication provides a brief overview of the steps involved in a typical reforestation operation. It covers mechanical, manual and chemical methods of preparing the planting site.
VIDEOS
Overcoming Reforestation Challenges
Reforestation can be rewarding, but there can be challenges along the way also. In this recorded Tree School Online training, you’ll learn more about overcoming these challenges.
Replanting Your Forest After Timber Harvest or Wildfire
Learn more about reforestation following a timber harvest or post-wildfire salvage harvest in this recorded Tree School Online training.
So You Want to Plant Some Trees
Take a deeper dive into tree planting and reforestation in this recorded Tree School Online training, which explores topics such as tending, vegetation management and regeneration.
OTHER
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s replanting forests webpage offers replanting tips and resources for finding seedlings for reforestation.