Winter thinning minimizes the risk of beetle infestation. When a high number of beetle attacks have been observed, do not thin your timber. Harvesting damage to residual trees after a thinning often attracts the beetles and can lead to the destruction of the stand. Studies show that thinning reduces the risk that a stand will be infested with beetles. However, you must be sure that the thinning operation is timed properly and produces little residual tree damage.
Many landowners work with consultants to thin their timber.
The consultants cruise and mark the timber, find a logger to cut the tract and oversee the operation to ensure that the thinning is done right. You must take on these responsibilities if you do not hire a consultant or use another resource. Two publications from the Georgia Cooperative Extension Service should be helpful when you decide to thin your timber. Be sure to obtain and review these publications before selling your timber. The University of Georgia and Ft.