Forests are home to many species of trees, plants, and wildlife. A healthy mix of species helps forests resist pests, withstand stress, and adapt to changing conditions — essential support in the face of climate change. Native tree and plant species are the best at supporting ecosystem-wide biodiversity.
What do you want your woodland to look like in the future?
Whether you’re stewarding a few acres or a large forest, promoting a diversity of native species is one of the most powerful ways to care for your woods.
When considering what tree or plant species to promote, first take into account the goals you have for your woodland. Use these goals to guide your stewardship planning.
Creating a diverse tree canopy
You can build a more diverse tree canopy using two main strategies: natural regeneration and artificial regeneration. Often, woodland stewards take a tandem approach by both planting trees and promoting the natural regeneration of the tree species already on-site.
Natural regeneration
Natural regeneration involves allowing the mature trees on-site to provide seed to the regenerating woodland. To use this approach, open up growing space by removing individual trees or harvesting groups of trees to create canopy gaps.
- Small canopy gaps promote the growth of shade-tolerant species, such as maples, basswood and white pine.
- Large canopy gaps will allow more light for shade-intolerant tree species, such as aspen, birch and jack pine.
Artificial regeneration
Artificial regeneration involves planting tree seedlings or distributing seed (called direct seeding) after a timber harvest. The key is to match the species to your site’s soil, moisture and light conditions.
A forester can help you decide what to plant based on your goals and your site.
Protecting young trees from wildlife damage
Deer love to browse young seedlings, especially species like white pine, oaks, and white cedar. If too many seedlings are eaten, it could prevent the next generation of trees from taking hold.
Some common seedling protection measures include:
- Bud caps: Folded pieces of paper placed over the terminal bud of individual seedlings. Bud caps are easy and inexpensive, but must be replaced yearly.
- Tree tubes: Plastic or wire tubes placed around individual seedlings. Tree tubes are more durable but cost more and require more effort to install compared to bud caps.
- Deer exclosures: Large fenced-off areas that prevent deer from entering and browsing seedlings. Deer exclosures require higher upfront cost and effort, but require less regular maintenance.
No matter the method, regularly monitor your seedlings and take protective measures. Try a combination of methods to see what works best for you, and keep protections in place until the trees are at least six feet tall and above browse height.
Find out more about deer browse prevention strategies.
Adding native understory plants
In addition to a diverse tree canopy, a diverse understory (the shrubs, ferns, grasses and wildflowers that grow beneath the canopy) is critical for creating a healthy forest. Native understory plants support a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators. A diverse understory also helps stabilize soils, retain moisture and crowd out unwanted invasive species.
Start by removing invasive plants
Often, the first step towards creating a higher diversity of native understory plants is to remove invasive plants like buckthorn and garlic mustard. It could be a multi-year effort, but it is an important act of caretaking for your woods that will eventually pay off.
As you remove invasive plants from a site, you will gradually see the diversity of native plants flourish.
Plant native species where needed
If you’re planning a timber harvest, consider seeding native plants along skid trails and landings. Work with a forester to match the best native plants to your site, and double-check the contents of seed mixes to make sure they are truly native.
Look for plants through native plant nurseries or your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) tree sales. Your SWCD can also help you identify any cost-share programs that may be available for establishing pollinator plantings.
Learn more about supporting pollinator habitat in woodlands.
Native species and climate resilience
Many native trees and plants are expected to be resilient as the climate changes. To build a forest that will thrive in the years ahead, look for species that are native to your region and projected to remain strong in a warmer and wetter future.
Extension’s Climate-ready woodlands tools can help you plan ahead.
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