This is surprising considering the benefits that can be received from using such a tool. Both Cantrell and Atkins came up with three main benefits of using pre-harvest weed control as a management strategy. Although many foresters have not actually experienced the difficulties that arise for loggers in certain stands, they can relate. Would a forester rather cruise or mark trees in a stand that is full of vegetation where they can barely see five feet in front of them or a stand that is open. Of course they would pick the nice open stand.
Loggers have the same views.
As a forester, I would cruise or mark a tract of timber for less if I could access the stand easily. By using pre-harvest weed control these easy accessible stands can exist. Not only does the cost of logging diminish, but also the value of the standing timber can increase due to better stand visibility and accessibility. Individual trees may be more rapidly identified for sawtimber vs. pulpwood classification. Anything that can be done to save the logger time and helps him work more efficiently will generate more profit for the landowner or company.