10 Woodland and Forest Management Tips for the Machete User

Forest management, or silviculture, can be a vital source of income for landowners. Forests can be managed for timber, wildlife, firewood, and food.


1) When planting new trees or other useful plants, use the machete to clear an area around the new planting to reduce competition from other species.

2) Weed out poor, weak trees to provide space for economically important species. Ensure proper spacing of trees to allow for maximum growth.

3) At borders between open areas and woodlands, create rides, scallops, and bays to create a tiered effect with several different types of vegetation to increase plant and wildlife diversity.

4) Stack cut brush and timber in piles to increase habitats for birds, small rodents, and insects.

5) Avoid unnaturally straight edges or sharp angles. Nature grows irregularly.

6) Avoid wind tunneling by not cutting large swaths parallel to the prevailing wind direction. Cool winds can inhibit plant growth.

7) Selectively cut shrubs and grasses to achieve a diverse age structure of plants. This will make plants available at different stages in their vegetative life, providing food for different wildlife species.

8) Life grows in irregular drifts and clumps. Try to mimic natural systems whenever possible. Do not thin sparsely and evenly.

9) Follow land contours whenever possible to limit erosion.

10) Coppicing select trees by regularly cutting the main stem creates straight new shoots that can be used for poles, fencing, furniture, and tinder among other things.