Crop Tree Release
Crop tree release is a silviculture technique that promotes the growth of individually selected trees by removing competing vegetation. This allows the chosen crop trees to thrive and become dominant as more sunlight and nutrients become available. This technique is typically applied during the early stages of tree development and may need to be repeated several times to ensure the tree's dominance.
When performing crop tree release, a good rule of thumb is to remove any competing vegetation within a 6-foot radius of the tree base and anything impeding the growth of the tree crowns. This technique is effective for both newly planted trees and protecting natural regeneration on the forest floor.