The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler. A few leaves have begun to change colors, and farmers are busy harvesting their crops. The county fair will be here in three weeks. There is no doubt that fall is almost here.

As fall approaches there will be a lot more outdoor activities, primarily because it is more comfortable, and also because there will be fewer mosquitoes and other aggravating insects. Many of us will enjoy county fairs and football games, but many others will enjoy hunting and fishing.

Those who live in Robeson County are fortunate, because we have large expanses of forestlands. Much of this forestland is associated with the Lumber River and the many swamps that meander through the countryside. These forests contain primarily gums, maples, and other trees that thrive in wet, poorly drained soils. Although these trees have value as timber and for timber products, they are generally the less valuable trees.

The better drained forestlands in the county are well established in pine trees. The predominant species of pine in the county is loblolly. However, there are many other types of pine trees in our forests, including long leaf pines. For this part of North Carolina, pines are the most valuable trees, since they are the trees that provide most of the building materials for homes and other buildings.

When someone mentions income from farm products, we often think about tobacco, hogs, and chickens. These three commodities generate the greatest amount of income for farmers and landowners in Robeson County.

Most of us don't even think about forest products when farm income is mentioned, but income received from the sale of Robeson County forest products usually exceeds $25 million each year. This is much more than the income received from cotton, corn, or soybeans, each of which is considered a major crop in the county.

By far the most income from forest is from the sale of timber, pulpwood, or wood chips. Timber harvest for these purposes is usually what you see as you travel the rural roads - large areas with all the trees removed.

Many people who are not knowledgeable of forests, wildlife, and the environment are often very critical of these clear-cut areas. Without a doubt, they are far less attractive than pure stands of gigantic oaks or other majestic hardwoods that we enjoy in parks or other protected areas. But these clearcuts create ideal habitats for wildlife and provide the diversity of landscape that animals need.

Within a few months after they are harvested, clear-cut forestlands will contain lots of brush piles, dense undergrowth, and thickets. These areas provide places for birds, animals, and all other creatures to hide from their predators and build their nests for raising their young. Because of increased sunlight, these areas will quickly grow up in lush grass and native weeds, providing browsing materials for many animals. As these weeds grow, they produce seeds, providing additional food for animals.

It takes about 10 years for a clear-cut area to again resemble a forest. By this time, the pines that were planted will have grown large enough to shade out the weeds, grasses, and other types of trees. But thank goodness, by this time, a neighboring landowner will have harvested his forestlands, creating another prime habitat area for wildlife.

As I mentioned, most of the income from forest comes from the trees that are cut. But there are many other ways to generate income from forestlands. One of the most profitable and the one most overlooked by local landowners is the opportunity to harvest pine straw from beneath growing pine trees.

There are many young stands of pine in Robeson County. But most of these pine plantations are thick with briars, weeds, and small undesirable hardwood trees. Very little effort would be required to eliminate these from the pines, providing an ideal location of harvesting pine straw.

Pine straw is a valuable commodity these days. Many people pay big money for good, clean pine straw to use around flowers, shrubs, and natural areas in their landscapes.

I receive several phone calls each year from the large companies that purchase pine straw for resale. These companies are the ones supplying to the discount garden centers, nurseries, and others that then sell to the public. They need pine straw and are willing to pay pretty good prices for good straw.

Some of these companies will work with local landowners to renovate existing pine stands, so they will be suitable for straw production. They will assist in the cost of labor and chemicals needed to clear the undergrowth and undesirable trees and will even provide the harvest crews to come in to harvest the pine straw.

For local landowners with good pine stands on their farm, this may be an opportunity to generate additional income. If you want more information or if you would like to contact one of these pine straw companies, please give me a call at the Cooperative Extension Service at 910-671-3276.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 12/09/03