Reforestation
Fields not being utilized for agricultural or wildlife management, and recently
cutover timberland with poor soil conditions should be reforested with a specie
of pine at the rate of 400 – 500 trees per acre. The Virginia Reforestation
of Timberlands (RT) program will currently pay $ 22 per acre of these expenses.
You
may also deduct 100 % of your final out-of-pocket expenses (up to $ 10,000)
for reforestation on federal income taxes in the year incurred. If so desired,
you may amortize any balance over $ 10,000 over an 84-month period as well.
A qualified tax professional should be consulted for IRS guidelines at the
time of implementation.
A newly established stand would most likely need chemical hardwood control
within 2 years following reforestation. Currently, the RT program will also
cost share release at the rate of $25 an acre and should be considered as
part of the establishment cost for tax purposes.
Cost share program availability for reforestation and competition control
would be dependant on funding at the time of the practice as determined by
the Virginia Department of Forestry.
A thinning should be accomplished at 16-20 years (for loblolly pine) removing
approximately 13-15 cords per acre at a normal pre-thinning density of 180-200
square feet of basal area per acre. A second thinning 8-10 years later to
a desired residual stocking level of 60-70 square feet of basal area per acre
would allow for the regeneration harvest at age 50 years.
White pine does not generally require thinning, so planting at recommended
initial stocking levels would allow for a stand rotation at about 50 years
of age.