Innovative Silviculture

Typically, 25 to 40 years might pass before final harvest delivers the full return on our investment in tree planting and nurturing. In this time frame, even small reductions in cost and incremental improvements in growth and quality can yield large benefits. Backed by a research capability that is unparalleled in the industry, Weyerhaeuser has established a record of silvicultural innovation that enables us to grow sawtimber faster, better, and cheaper than our competitors.

Using the practices described below, we grow trees to their financially prime harvesting age 5-10 years faster.

• Superior genetics

  Using the traditional techniques of selection and cross-pollination, we develop seedlings that are hardy, fast-growing, and ideally suited for use as sawtimber. Our TreeCell™ Technology is helping raise selectivity to an even higher level with sensors that tell us how strong a standing tree's lumber will be and whether it will tend to warp.

• Planting and growing

  We practice "precision silviculture," which means that every variable—site preparation, the number of seedlings planted per acre, control of surrounding vegetation, and fertilization—is precisely matched to a site's soil and weather conditions.

• Thinning and pruning

  Using sophisticated, computer-assisted growth models and financial analysis, we selectively thin and prune our trees to produce higher-quality, higher-value sawtimber.