This results in less ponding of water. However, hand planting is often the best solution for areas that have been sheared and raked or burned off. Helicopters are used to spray herbicides to control weed competition. In an improved pine planting anything but pine is considered a weed. Chemicals typically used have a residual activity of five to six months.
Spot spraying is another valuable management tool.
Granular fertilizers are applied via an airplane. Phosphorous and Potassium are the most limited in this region. Nitrogen is often used as a carrier to help the tree root system absorb the needed nutrients. Thinning of a tree stand normally occurs between the ages of 12 to 14 years. Pictured is a hydraulic tree shear.