Patent ID: 7726250

Claim:
A method of managing timberland comprising: (a) planting within a plot a first genetic tree crop of a first tree species that is selected for at least a first tree trait in a substantially linear pattern defining a first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a first crop spacing and at a first row spacing between adjacent substantially linear beds, the first genetic tree crop selected for yielding trees with high lumber values, wherein the first row spacing is 18 to 22 feet; (b) interplanting a second genetic tree crop of the first tree species that is selected for at least a second tree trait different from the first tree trait in the first plurality of adjacent substantially linear beds at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing, such that adjacent substantially linear beds include trees of the first and second genetic tree crops, the second genetic tree crop selected for yielding trees for fiber or cellulose value; (c) pruning the first genetic tree crop at a time such that the final value of the first genetic tree crop will be maximized; (d) harvesting the second genetic tree crop at a time when either (i) the final value of the first genetic tree crop will be maximized or (ii) the value of the second genetic tree crop is high; and (e) either: (i) fully harvesting the first genetic tree crop and optionally, repeating steps (a) through (e), or (ii) partially harvesting the first genetic tree crop thereby leaving a remnant of the first genetic tree crop and optionally planting a first genetic tree crop in a second plurality of substantially linear beds at a first crop spacing, wherein the second plurality of substantially linear beds are planted approximately midway between the first row spacing within the plot, and interplanting a second genetic tree crop in the second plurality of substantially linear beds at a second crop spacing that is shorter than the first crop spacing, wherein adjacent substantially linear beds include trees of the first and second genetic tree crops, and thereafter repeating steps (c) through (e).