07/29/2026
Second thinning of this red pine plantation wrapped up last weekend!
This 15 acre stand definitely tested our Ponsse machines. Thick boxelder had taken over much of the understory, but throughout the harvest we pulled those invasive stems out by the roots whenever possible. Taking them completely out of the ground gives native tree species a much better opportunity to regenerate while making any future boxelder growth far more manageable for the private landowner.
The landowner also plans to have forestry mulching completed in the future, and with the work MML put into this stand, that next step will be much easier.
The before and after photos tell the story. This job tested my patience at times, but I’m extremely proud of the finished results. Looking forward to watching this stand continue to improve for years to come. 🌲