Thinning is the cutting or removal of certain trees from a stand to regulate the number, quality and distribution of the remaining "crop" trees. It the cut trees can be marketed, the thinning is "commercial". If the cut trees are too small to sell, the thinning is considered "pre-commercial".

Pine trees need growing space in which they compete for water nutrients and light. Like other crops, trees grow poorly if there are too many per acre. Deliberate control of stand density by thinning can improve vigor, growth rate, and quality of the remaining "crop" trees.

If your pines are between 3 and 11 years old, then precommecial thinning may benefit your stand. Contact Monroe Timberland Consultants @ 919-676-9807 or john@monroetimberland.com to arrange an inspection of your property to determine if your timber will benefit from a pre-commercial thinning.