NATURAL REGENERATION OF LONGLEAF PINE

Natural regeneration is now a reliable alternative for existing longleaf pine forests. The shelterwood system, or modifications of it, has been used experimentally to regenerate longleaf pine for over 20 years, and regional tests have confirmed its value for a wide range of site conditions. Natural regenera- tion,because of its low cost when compared to other alternatives, should be particularly suited to the needs of the small forest landowner. Tough regeneration problems have given longleaf pine a bad reputation among foresters, and as a result longleaf is commonly replaced, upon harvest, by other species. Major problems associated with longleaf natural regeneration include: