Although most of the southern conifers are adaptable to a wide range of site conditions, it is always advisable to match the tree species to sites favoring that species. Consider herbicides to reduce hardwood competition. Avoid planting on wet or dry soils. Avoid sites below an index of 65. Monitor plantations frequently for sawfly damage.
Most infestations begin on the edges of stands or are localized in a portion of the stand.
Control with insecticides is most effective at this stage. Sawflies are generally described as either spring or summer feeders. The spring sawflies are present in early spring and may be found feeding into the summer. The summer feeding sawflies are present from spring until the first hard freeze. The following descriptions and distribution information is general in nature and some variations may occur depending upon the species.