Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests

figure 1 Chinese tallow

Of the more than 4,000 known plant species growing in Florida, approximately 30% are not native to Florida or the Southeast, and in the US invasive exotic species cost an estimated $120 billion each year in damages. Early detection and removal of invasive plants is the key to successful management. This publication describes many of the current methods used in north Florida forest operations to manage invasive exotic plants. It also provides references for additional sources of information. Written by Chris Demers, Patrick Minogue, Michael Andreu, Alan Long, and Rick Williams.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr133

Trails, Bridges, and Boardwalks

photo of North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain by Alan Long

Trails represent a landowner’s main routes for recreational activities such as walking, sightseeing, horseback riding, and bicycling. They provide access to, and through, forest land and other natural resources. They play an important role in protecting and preserving soil, water, and wild plants and animals. They can be the source of endless hours of enjoyment and relaxation. This 13-page fact sheet written by Alan Long, Anne Todd-Bockarie, Taylor Stein, Keith Bettcher, and Chris Demers and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation will help you plan your trails wisely and construct them carefully so that you and your guests can enjoy them to the fullest.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr401

Thinning Southern Pines – A Key to Greater Returns

row pines, trees, forest, agronomy. UF/IFAS Photo: Josh Wickham.Thinning is an important silvicultural practice that redistributes the growth potential of the site to the best trees. Diameter growth rates are maintained or increased on residual trees after thinning, which increases the return on investment from higher-value trees. Biologically, thinning accelerates stand development by favoring the tallest, best-formed trees over those that are diseased, overtopped, crooked, forked, or otherwise undesirable and likely to die on their own if left in the stand long enough. In addition, thinning provides periodic income, improves access for equipment, recreation and hunting, and creates a generally healthier stand. Thinning is also beneficial for wildlife, especially when combined with prescribed fire or herbicide use to control competing vegetation. By allowing more light to reach the forest floor, thinning promotes growth of plants important as food and/or cover for wildlife species. Landowners are encouraged to consult with or hire a professional forester to assist with thinning and other forest management activities. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Chris Demers, Michael Andreu, Babe McGowan, Alan Long, and Jarek Nowak, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, June 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr159

Landscaping in Florida with Fire in Mind (FOR71/FR076)

Figure 1. With careful management and preparation, fire can be a positive force in maintaining Florida's native forests.Fire is a powerful part of Florida’s landscape. It can maintain healthy natural ecosystems (Figure 1), but can also turn a home to ashes. Florida’s frequent lightning strikes and human carelessness guarantee that wildfire will continue to be a factor in both rural and suburban areas. Some homeowners may wonder if they are in danger of wildfire. Find out if you are at risk, and follow these guidelines to reduce the threat of wildfire. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Martha Monroe, Alan Long, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr076

Using Soils to Guide Fertilizer Recommendations for Southern Pines (CIR1230/FR053)

Figure 4. Example of copper (Cu) deficiency in young, loblolly pine growing on a CRIFF C group soil (note: the soft and s-shaped terminal and lateral shoots).Soils supporting southern pine stands in the South tend to be infertile and nutrient additions are often required to achieve optimum rates of production. This 12-page publication describes and classifies soils of the southeastern Coastal Plain region and specifically addresses issues of fertility, growth-limiting nutrients, and fertilizer recommendations for southern pines. Written by Eric J. Jokela and Alan J. Long, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, June 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr053

Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests (SSFOR19/FR133)

Chines Tallowtree infestationInvasive non-native organisms are one of the greatest threats to the natural ecosystems of the United States. Invasive plants reduce biodiversity, encroach on endangered and threatened species, and rob native species of habitat. This 8-page fact sheet describes many of the current methods used to manage some of the more common and troublesome invasive exotic plants in north Florida forests. Written by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Rick Williams, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr133

Fire in the Wildland-Urban Interface: Selecting Firewise Shrubs to Reduce Wildfire Risk (FOR272/FR334)

first page of full-color pdfIn areas with moderate to high risk of fire, shrubs may put your home at risk. This 10-page, full-color, illustrated guide presents 34 species organized by flammability, to help you select and place shrubs in your landscape to minimize the risk of wildfire. Written by Annie Hermansen-Baez, Wayne C. Zipperer, Alan J. Long, Anna L. Behm, Dawn McKinstry, and Anne Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr334

Establishing and Maintaining Wildlife Food Sources (SSFOR12/FR062)

doe and fawn Provide abundant and varied food sources for wildlife on your forested land, with this 5-page fact sheet written by Chris Demers, Alan Long, Chris Latt, and Emma Willcox, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr062

SSFOR13/FR064 Longleaf Pine Regeneration

SSFOR13, a 8-page fact sheet by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Patrick Minogue, provides landowners with long-term, multiple-use resource management objectives with strategies for artificial and natural regeneration of this insect-, disease- and fire-resistant species. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr064

SSFOR17/FR130 Steps to Marketing Timber

Revised! SSFOR17, a 7-page fact sheet by Chris Demers and Alan Long, provides forest landowners some important guidelines to follow when planning and conducting a timber sale. Includes references. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr130

CIR1475/FR158 Herbicides Registered for Pine Management in Florida – 2008

Revised! Circular 1475, a 14-page fact sheet by Anna Osiecka, Patrick Minogue, Alan Long, Jarek Nowak, and Mark Mossler, provides comprehensive information about the herbicides currently registered for use in Florida pine plantations. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR158

SS-FOR19/FR133 Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests

Revised! SS-FOR-19, an 8-page fact sheet by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Rick Williams, describes many of the current methods being used to manage some of the more common and troublesome invasive exotic plants in north Florida forests. Includes tables of herbicide recommendations and references. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, June 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR133