Later improvement cuts will have like benefits for wildlife while continually increasing the stand's timber value. Therefore, during preparations for improvement cuttings, it is wise to mark and keep several good den trees per acre. Den trees should be food-producing species, such as oak, hickory, or persimmon. These will be useful to many wildlife species without reducing timber production significantly. Prescribed Burning Controlled fire is a useful tool in pine timber management.
Hardwood stems sprout vigorously from the roots after prescribed burning.
The new sprouts increase available food and are palatable and nutritious for wildlife. Thinning increases sunlight and allows other forage plants to become established. The result is an abundance of available food for deer, turkey, rabbits, and quail. The improved environment, however, is temporary. In 3 or 4 years the sprouting hardwood stems will be too tall to be of much value for food, and most forage plants will be shaded out as the forest canopy closes again.