Virginia Department
of Forestry

Developing the Next Forest

Trees grow naturally in Virginia soils and they have been for generations. Wherever there is sunlight, soil, water, and some growing space, trees will eventually find a place to grow. Some trees that need full sunlight and are the first trees to grow in an open area are called “pioneer” tree species. These pioneers usually have lightweight seeds that are easily blown by the wind and once they become established, they grow fast and occupy the open space as quickly as possible. But since they grow quickly at the beginning, they don’t usually live as long as other trees that come later in the process, known as forest succession. The process ultimately leads toward a climax forest. Tree species found in a climax forest don’t usually require full sunlight to grow and often begin their lives slowly, underneath and around the pioneer trees. Then when the pioneer trees begin to die and fall out of the forest, the climax trees will take over and can live for hundreds of years.

Over the years, humans have learned how to mimic the natural development of forests and how to better work within the natural process to produce lumber and other forest products more quickly. One way of speeding up the natural process is by preparing a harvested site and then planting tree seedlings, which is called “reforestation”. The most common reforestation practices aim to promote the growth of pine seedlings, one of the pioneer trees. Most pine seedlings need full sunlight, so the harvested site needs to be prepared, often by applying herbicides, prescribed burning, or using bulldozers to reduce the ability for other plants to compete with the planted pine seedlings. Once the site is prepared, good genetic quality pine seedlings can be planted.

Site preparation can also be used to prepare a site to enhance naturally seeded hardwood trees or sprouts. This site preparation is used to promote more valuable hardwood seedlings for wildlife, recreation, aesthetics, or timber production.

Financial Assistance for Reforestation

Financial assistance is available for growing pines through the Virginia Reforestation of Timberlands  (RT) Program, funded by the forest industry in Virginia (Virginia Forest Products Tax) with matching funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Fund.

A variety of other financial assistance programs are available through VDOF and partner agencies to assist landowners with reforestation and forest management activities.

Explore All Financial Assistance Programs

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VDOF foresters can assist you with reforesting your land, contact your local VDOF forester.

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