Fertilizing and liming known mast producers can also enhance mast crops. Thinning crowded stands may increase seed production. In long-term planning for wildlife habitat, consider the future arrival of the gypsy moth, which defoliates oaks. A healthy, diverse forest with a vigorous oak component mixed in with less palatable trees is best. Consider planting the Chinese sawtooth oak , a very heavy acorn producer available from the state seedling nursery and commercial nurseries in Tennessee.
Chestnuts grow well on dry sites.
Protect rare plants and animals and their habitat . Leave uncut mature forest cover in areas where your main management objective is to favor plant and animal communities dependent on that habitat. Plant stands of evergreens in hardwood forests. Burn under yellow pine to improve browse. Spot burn small openings to maintain foods.