These are the silent killers in the forest. Often we don't realize they are there until it is almost too late. Foresters must constantly be on the alert for signs of insects and disease. Often the only treatment is to remove the affected trees quickly to protect the rest of the forest and to use the wood before it is ruined by wood-decaying fungi. Chemicals can sometimes be used to control these pests.
Foresters have to know what to do and when to do it to protect our forests.
T.S.I. This includes many different practices used to improve the quality and increase the growth of the forest. Thinning forests that have too many trees, thus providing wood products while increasing the growth of the remaining trees. Prescribed burning to kill weed trees in pine stands. Pruning certain trees to produce high quality, knot-free timber. Removing some trees and leaving others that show promise of producing a particular product such as fine veneer, poles, or lumber.