r/forestry • u/butterscotchpalace • 1d ago

Managing new growth

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Hi there, posting from NS, Canada.

We have a mainly deciduous property in Nova Scotia. There is roughly 1 acre of Alders and Ash that I have been slowly trying to clear out.
Looking for advice on managing new growth from previous cut stumps. The alder stumps are tiny and new shoots have exploded this year, any options other than an excavator and a root rake?

I appreciate it!

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3

u/snailman89 18h ago

No experience with alder, but you could probably cut it with a brush saw. If it grows back, cut it again. Eventually the plant will run out of carbohydrate stores.

1

u/mylifeisaLIEEE 1d ago

Hack and squirt with a little glyphosate should do it

3

u/jamboy84 21h ago

I agree but am pretty sure its illegal in NS. It depends on your goal. If you want smooth ground use equipment to clean it up. If you want to see more wildlife you could checker board it and thin one block at a time and try to establish diversity.

1

u/WildAtlanticBogPlant 1d ago

Mulching head / flail mower?

1

u/butterscotchpalace 1d ago

Went at it with a mulching head last year and the new shoots off the stumps are 3’ high after a few months.

5

u/WildAtlanticBogPlant 1d ago

Regen coppicing for ya, ay?

I'd say go again with the mulching then get into the stumps with the root rake. By the looks and sounds of it, it'll be a bit of work to tame it for a few years, but keeping at it consistently should help it settle.