The best kept secret in southern forestry: longleaf pine plantation investments
January 23, 2021
| The objective of this study was to determine the potential harvest value of thinned longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) plantations. Longleaf has long been recognized as having reduced risk of rust and bark beetle attack compared to other species. Because of the development of new techniques that speed longleaf’s transition through the grass stage, establishing longleaf pine plantations is becoming more attractive. Analyses were done on a subset of an existing spacing and thinning study in longleaf plantations. Land expectation values were computed on the basis of current product prices, assumptions employing more than 2,000 individual trees, and a dynamic programming solution to economic conditions. Both the biological and financial results point to rotations of more than 40 years for longleaf. This information will provide assistance for decision-makers considering establishing longleaf pine plantations. |