Forest genetics is the study of hereditary variation in trees. Like all living organisms genes control the traits that trees exhibit. Pines, oaks, maples, etc. have unique compliments of genes that define the species. The individual tree that grows in the forest is a product of its genes and the environment in which it lives. Just as genetics can be used to improve the milk production of dairy cattle, the hunting ability of dogs or the grain production of a corn variety, genetics can be used to improve the characteristics of trees.
Tree improvement is the application of forest genetics to field practice.
Tree improvement work is accomplished by testing wild tree selections and determining which will grow best when planted on certain sites or in specific geographic locations. Various techniques have been developed, however, to cause some tree species to produce seed earlier. These include grafting and cultural practices like root pruning. These trees are seedlings grown from seed produced by parent trees that have been selected for superior form, growth rate, and other characteristics. Tree improvement programs and forest genetics research have been conducted throughout the world since about the 1950s.