TSI is short for Timber Stand Improvement which is a management tool for
increasing the value of a woods in terms of timber quality. TSI normally is
done after a harvest has been made to release the growing stock from inferior
competition, kill detrimental vines such as wild grape, and thin areas where
the stocking levels are too high. This practice is not done as often as it
should be mainly because it is one of the few times that a landowner has to put
money into the woods instead of taking it out. There are cost share programs
available in most states to help offset the cost of this practice.
Most foresters will mark the trees to be killed and hire a crew to go in the
woods and do the actual work telling them to kill marked trees and all grape
vines. I have a very close friend who is also a forester and we team together
to do the work ourselves. Currently we still find the time to do this and
since we are foresters, we can select the trees while we work saving time by
not having to mark the trees first.
There are two tools needed to do TSI, a chainsaw and herbicide. Killing a tree
involves cutting a one inch deep groove completely around the tree trunk then
applying herbicide to the cut. The only living, growing part of a tree trunk
is the layer immediately under the bark, therefore a continuous cut through
this layer stops the flow of water, nutrients, and sugars. Smaller trees up to
about 4 inches in diameter are cut off and herbicide applied to the cut stump.
All grape vines are cut one foot above the ground and herbicide applied. The
herbicide ensures the trees and vines will not sprout. I have found no better
exercise than to spend days in the woods doing TSI. Since it is often done
after a harvest there are tree tops to crawl over, under, and through.
Carrying and using a chainsaw all day, sometimes over rough terrain, definitely
builds one's stamina.
I should also mention some of the safety issues involved. Anyone wishing to
perform this practice should ensure they have the correct safety equipment.
While using a chainsaw there are some articles of clothing that need to be
worn: A hardhat with face and hearing protection; chainsaw chaps, leather
gloves, and steel-toed boots. We use Tordon herbicide which is fairly low in
toxicity to humans but, if using some other herbicides it may be necessary to
wear filtration masks as well. There should always be another person around,
don't work alone and if you do then at least carry a communication device such
as a cellphone or 2-way radio. Always take a break when feeling tired since a
chainsaw is not an instrument with which to get careless. Carry water and
drink frequently, the rule of thumb is: if you get thirsty, you have waited too
long to drink. Most importantly, always be alert to your surroundings. Trees
that have been girdled or cut have a habit of falling unexpectedly with a
little wind and they can do severe bodily damage if they come down on you.
I will add to this page, both text and photos, as time permits. Hopefully this
gives a basic idea of TSI.
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| Girdling a hickory with chainsaw | Applying Tordon herbicide to cut |