Loblolly Pine, the fast growing pole wood of the South
Discover the exceptional value and varied uses for Loblolly pine pole wood, a sustainable timber option harvested from small to medium-sized trees that grow in fast growing Crop Circle Tree Plantations in the south. Explore its use for construction, fencing, and landscaping, and learn why loblolly pine stands out as the premier source of polewood.
Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) is a popular tree species used in commercial tree plantations for pole wood production, particularly in the southeastern and southwestern United States. The spacing and design of loblolly pine plantations can have a significant impact on the growth and productivity of the trees.
For loblolly pine plantations, the recommebded spacing between individual trees is typically between 8 and 12 feet, although other spacing ranges may be used depending on the management goals and site conditions. A spacing of 10 feet between trees is commonly used in many commercial plantations.
In terms of row spacing, the recommended distance between rows of loblolly pine trees is typically between 12 and 16 feet, although again, other spacing ranges may be used depending on the management goals and site conditions. A row spacing of 14 feet is commonly used in many commercial plantations.
When designing a loblolly pine plantation, it's important to consider factors such as soil quality, slope, drainage, and the intended end use of the wood. For example, if the wood will be used for pole production, a higher tree density may be desired to promote straighter, more slender trees. On the other hand, if the wood will be used for saw timber, a lower tree density may be desired to promote thicker, more robust trees.
Crop Circle Tree Farms
Crop Circle Tree Farms grow loblolly pine in large spirals, with trees spaced 10 feet apart along a segmented line that forms the outline of the spiral. A drone using a proprietary mapping system, marks each spot where a tree seedling is planted creating a geometrically accurate spiral, which is essential to accelerate tree growth. The spiral shape provides ease of access for machinery and equipment harvesting pole wood and pine straw.
Loblolly Pine Seedstock
Loblolly pine seedstock (seedlings) are commonly used in reforestation and afforestation projects, as well as in commercial timber plantations. Two year old bundled pine seedlings are the preferred seedstock by growers. The older the seedstock, the greater chance of survival after transplant.
When purchasing loblolly pine seedlings, it's important to select high-quality seedstock from reputable nurseries or suppliers. The seedlings should be grown from genetically superior parent trees that exhibit desirable traits such as fast growth, straight stems, and disease resistance.
Bundled pine seedlings are typically sold in groups of 50 to 100, and are packaged in burlap or plastic containers to protect the roots during transport. Seedstock bundles should be inspected upon arrival to ensure that they are healthy and free from any signs of damage or disease.
Loblolly Plantation Costs
A Crop Circle pine plantation costs $900 per acre with an average planting of 600 trees per acre. Culling every second tree will generate revenue in year 11. Trees that remain will rapidly increase caliper having additional room to grow. On average, trunk diameter will increase two-fold after thinning. Intermittent fertilization will also increase wood volume.
Plantation Timetable
- Drone transplant 12 inch, 2 year seedlings
- Collect & harvest pine straw year 7
- Cull every second tree year 11
- Collect & harvest pine straw year 14
- Collect & harvest pine straw year 21
- Harvest plantation year 22
Plantation Returns
A Loblolly pine plantation earns about $1,000 per culled acre in year 11 from the sale of fence posts.
Pine straw revenue averages $200 per acre in years, 7, 14 and 21.
Harvesting mature wood in year 22 averages $3,000 an acre.
Cost & Profit (100 acres)
- Planting costs: $90,000
- Pine straw revenue year 7: $20,000
- Culled tree revenue year 11: $100,000
- Pine straw revenue year 14: $20,000
- Pine straw revenue year 21: $20,000
- Harvest plantation revenue year 22: $300,000
Total Cost: $180,000 ($90,000 plus harvesting costs and intermittent fertilization).
Total Revenue: $460,000
Total Profit: $280,000
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In just 22 years, Crop Circle pine grows 40 to 50 feet tall and a 12 inch caliper a foot from the plantation floor. Loblolly Pine is the most commercially planted softwood tree in the United Sates covering more than 50 million acres mostly in the Southwest.
Hire us to build a turnkey Crop Circle Loblolly Plantation in the Southwest.
This southern pine is adaptable to many types of soil and growing conditions. It grows rapidly in sandy loam soils, which is predominant in Georgia, South Carolina and the Florida panhandle. It is grown primarily for pole wood, pulpwood and second grade lumber. Loblolly pine is also known as Oldfield Pine, North Carolina Pine, Arkansas Pine and Shortleaf Pine.
Soil & Fertilizer
One case study involving loblolly pine soils, composition, and fertilizer was conducted by researchers at Auburn University in Alabama, USA. The study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilization treatments on soil properties and loblolly pine growth in a degraded soil site.
The study site was a former agricultural field that had been converted to a loblolly pine plantation. Soil analysis showed that it was low in organic matter and nutrients, which indicated acidic conditions. The researchers applied different fertilization treatments, including urea, diammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, and a control treatment with no fertilizer.
After three growing seasons, the researchers found that the fertilizer treatments had a significant impact on soil properties and loblolly pine growth. The diammonium phosphate treatment resulted in the highest soil pH, organic matter content, and nutrient availability, as well as the highest loblolly pine growth rates. The urea treatment also had positive effects on soil properties and loblolly pine growth, although to a lesser extent than the diammonium phosphate treatment.
The study concluded that fertilization could improve soil conditions and enhance loblolly pine growth in degraded soils. However, the specific type and amount of fertilizer applied should be carefully considered based on soil characteristics and management goals.
Pine Straw
Pine straw, also known as pine needles or pinestraw, refers to the dead needles that fall from various species of pine trees. In the American Southwest, pine straw is used landscaping, gardening, and erosion control.
Landscapers, garden centers and nurseries prefer to use pine straw as a mulch because it remains loose and allows air and water to infiltrate the ground below, unlike firmer mulches that tend to crust over.
Pine straw is the popular as a ground cover because of its rich auburn color and organic properties. Pine straw does not attract many common garden pests such as termites, which are prevalent in the southwest. Pine straw mulch is also high in nitrogen, so as pine needles decompose, they make a great fertilizer. Pine needles are also an excellent weed deterrent and protect bushes and trees from rot. It also retains moisture and protects soil from the drying effect of the hot sun.
Pine straw can be used to help prevent erosion on slopes and other areas with soil instability. It helps hold the soil in place and provides a protective layer against the elements.
Pine straw can be raked and delivered loose by the truckload or baled, delivered, and dropped with a truck mounted Hiab.
Pole Wood
Pole wood is a type of timber that is harvested from small- to medium-sized trees. It is used for construction, fencing, and landscaping throughout the southern United States. Pole wood is harvested from trees that are between 4 and 12 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and are straight and relatively free of defects.
Pole wood is often used where a round or cylindrical shape is desired, such as fence posts, utility poles, or landscape timbers. Round pole wood can also be used for some construction purposes, like barn building and agricultural outbuildings. Pole wood costs less than squared posts and beams and can be harvested much faster.
The species of tree used for pole wood can vary depending on the location and the intended use. In some areas, hardwood species such as oak or hickory may be used, while in other areas, softwood species such as pine or cedar may be more common. The quality of the pole wood will depend on factors such as the species of tree, the age of the tree, and the growing conditions.
Pole wood is a versatile and economical option for users looking for a sustainable source of quick harvest timber. Its small diameter and cylindrical shape make it well-suited for a wide range of projects.
Loblolly pine produces the straightest pole wood, which is used for fence posts and utility poles. Cull wood is harvested entirely for fence posts in year 11. In year 22, mature trees are harvested for utility poles and construction timber and lumber.
Loblolly pine naturally grows straighter, tapers less, and produces a stronger, heavier wood than other pine trees of the South. This superior pole wood brings top dollar for utility poles, fence posts, pilings and saw grade timber.
Loblolly Pine, Pole Wood, Pine Straw Video
