Forestry and Tree Planting in North Carolina

Roeder, K. Tree Planters' Notes 54(2):12-22. 2011.

North Carolina’s forests cover more than 18.6 million acres (7.5 million hectares), equaling more than 59 percent of the State’s land area. Nearly 97 percent of this forest land is capable of timber production. Forestry contributes more than $6 billion annually to the State’s economy. The State’s forests are genetically and commercially diverse and support more than 60 major tree species. Many other species are also important to the State’s native forest ecosystems. Major forest types are oak and hickory; loblolly and shortleaf pine; oak, gum, and cypress; oak and pine; and longleaf pine. State forestry programs support these species, other important species, and ecosystem restoration efforts. More than 50 million tree seedlings are planted annually, 16 million of which are produced by State nurseries. While most of these seedlings are softwoods, local hardwood seed is also collected and expansion of container seedling operations continues. Inroads have been made in growing more specialty species for wetland and streambank restoration needs. Understory herbaceous plants are also being grown for longleaf pine ecosystem restoration projects.

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Author(s): Ken Roeder

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 54, Number 2 (2011)

Section: TPN Series: Tree Planting State-by-State

Volume: 54

Number: 2