Silviculture is the care and cultivation of woodlands. At GHA Trees we have been experts in Silviculture for over 30 years.
Silviculture is the practice of controlling the growth, composition and also the structure of forests to meet values and needs. Silviculture promotes sustainable quality forests. The name comes from the Latin silvi- and culture. The study of forests and woods is termed silvology. GHA Trees are the experts in the adaption of the very latest techniques in Silviculture.
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Silviculture is the care and cultivation of woodlands (as opposed to arboriculture which is the care and cultivation of individual trees). There is a wide range of different silvicultural systems which are, broadly speaking, management prescriptions for particular types and areas of woodland. Forestry, at its most basic level, is the interaction between tree species, site characteristics and a silvicultural system. There are a number of different silvicultural systems described here:
A silvicultural system is a comprehensive approach that encompasses the care, harvesting, and sustainable regeneration of a forest ecosystem. This process involves a variety of techniques and practices that aim to balance the ecological health of the forest with economic objectives. Different objectives in forest management, such as conservation efforts in an ancient semi-natural woodland as opposed to timber production from a managed conifer plantation, are likely to result in the adoption of varying silvicultural systems. Each system brings its own set of methodologies and strategies tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the forest environment being managed.
The volume of timber that can be sustainably harvested from a forested area is influenced by various factors, including site conditions, management practices, and tree species. Furthermore, local climatic variables, such as temperature and precipitation, play a significant role in determining tree health and growth, which subsequently affects timber production.
Factors Influencing Sustainable Yield
Note: It is imperative to conduct regular assessments of the woodland’s growth patterns and to adjust management strategies as necessary to guarantee a consistently sustainable yield.
Annual Increment: The volume of timber that is produced in the woodland annually.
Employing methods such as selective logging and replanting can significantly improve the sustainability of timber harvesting practices.
Once you ascertain the current standing volume of timber and its yield class, determining the anticipated timber yield from a felling becomes a straightforward process, informed by the chosen silvicultural system.
To ensure a sustainable yield from a woodland block, it is essential to either fell less than the annual increment (particularly in uneven-aged stands and coppice) or to implement effective replanting or natural regeneration following an even-aged management felling or clear cutting.
It is important to note that fuel constitutes only one of several product streams derived from forestry. Typically, higher quality timber commands a superior price when sold in various markets, including construction and furniture manufacturing.
The productivity of a woodland is influenced by several factors, including its area, the species selected for planting, site characteristics, rotation length, and the silvicultural system used. In the UK, yield is typically conveyed through the concept of “yield class,” which represents an increment measurement (the volume of solid stem wood added to an area of woodland) in cubic meters per hectare per year (m3/ha/yr), expressed in intervals of 2, such as 4, 6, 8, and so on.
BS 5837:2012 Tree Surveys
On receipt of a topographical survey or accurate OS plan, we can undertake detailed tree surveys to evaluate the quality and longevity of all trees on and adjacent to a potential development site. This may be a small extension in a rear garden or a larger development containing many trees. We are well placed to evaluate the impact trees may have on developments of any scale.
Following the completion of our detailed tree surveys, tree constraints plans are produced which allow the design team to identify the valuable trees and agree (with necessary input from GHA Trees) strategies for working around these trees. Our site plans and tree constraints plans are produced using AutoCAD to ensure their clarity for the client, architect and local planning authority.
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Once a layout has been finalised, we will work with the client and the architect to assess the impact that development proposals may have on the trees and recommend remedial actions to minimise these impacts. We will also make recommendations for protecting trees against potentially harmful construction activities. Our written statements are very detailed and give the local planning authority the information required to give them comfort that the scheme has been well considered in relation to trees.
We use the Arborshadow system to assess likely shade patterns and how shade may affect proposed developments. This will assist architects with the design and layout of new properties and developments.
Once planning permission has been granted, we will work with the relevant parties to produce pragmatic and sensible arboricultural method statements, detailing how the retained trees will be protected during the build process. This will include detailed tree protection plans (see below) which ensure maximum protection for retained trees, whilst allowing site works to proceed efficiently.
Our tree protection plans are produced using AutoCAD to ensure their clarity for the local planning authority as well as the site operatives who will use these plans to implement the agreed protection measures.
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We are able to undertake site monitoring at agreed intervals to ensure planning condition obligations are being met fully. This will also give the you peace of mind that all retained trees are being fully protected, as these trees will undoubtedly enhance the development for the future. This can include pre start and / or regular site meetings as well as site inductions for site managers and site personnel.
We can develop planting schemes which ensure trees of the appropriate species are selected to form part of new developments, choosing trees with appropriate credentials for any given site. We can then produce planting / landscaping plans and specifications to ensure these trees are planted and maintained in order that they will thrive for many generations.
Our principle consultant previously worked as the Arboricultural Manager within the planning department of a prestigious London Borough. He has detailed knowledge of the planning system and will assist with all matters relating to applying for, and working on trees covered by tree preservation orders or that are located within conservation areas.
Established in 2005, GHA Trees is an independent consultancy practice who provide high-level expert advice on trees and woodlands to a wide range of private and corporate clients. Our geographic location and flexible approach allows us to provide cost effective and efficient service to clients across the South East of England and throughout the UK.
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D-U-N-S® Number: 224696121 | Company Number: 11810706
