Select cut woods now what?

[Robow]

We have about a 25 acre woods that was logged (select cut). I would like to maximize deer activty in thia area. Before it was cut it was pretty open and deer seemed to move through quik and not mill around much at all. Now that the canopy is opened up a little I'd like to help the under growth but I'm not sure how to go about it.

Any Ideas?

[Backwoods-Savage]

Not sure what you cut, but just give it a couple years and you'll be amazed. Next year in particular the deer will be browsing heavily on all the new growth, especially if you had any maples, poplar, etc.

We cut a bunch in December and all the tops are still there. The deer love it already. I was hoping that leaving the tops would make them feel safer by providing some cover for them. So far it is working.

[sjhawkeye]

Robow, we hinged cut 2 areas in my woods in February. I am planting some Norway spruce and tag alder on the edges of the cuttings and then and i am going to spread some 16-16-16 fertilizer around the inside of the cuttings.

One question i do have (not to steal your thread) is would it be beneficial to also spread some pellitized lime around in the same area?

good luck with your project.

sjhawkeye

[koz bow]

What time of year did you cut?

Please do not say late spring or summer. If you have your trees cut in summer, with popple, sasafras and cottonwood in particular, it could take a little while to get the growth you are looking for. If you cut after the leaves fell and before they came out, the root systems would still be alive and you will have shoot coming up everywhere within the first year.

From my perspective, you should not waste your time, liming, etc...and should let whatever is going to grow naturally, grow.

[Robow]

What time of year did you cut?

February

Thanks for the info.........I was looking to maybe spred lime but I'll save that for the plots

[dcgreil]

I'd agree with the others that said "do nothing". Sit back, enjoy, and spend your time and money on other projects. You'll be amazed by the new growth over the next 2 to 3 years.