Is there a more beautiful state in the country than North Carolina? Of course, there is nothing like the Old North State. To the east, a pristine coastline with barrier islands proved to be the perfect location for the Wright Brothers to fly for the first time. To the west, the majestic Appalachian Mountains with the highest peaks on the East Coast.

In between, the wide-open spaces of the Coastal Plains meet the rolling green fields of the piedmont, and foothills play host to some of the fastest-growing and innovative cities in the nation. Residents of North Carolina enjoy:

• Thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
• Pristine beaches with plenty of space to spread out, great surfing, and amazing fishing
• Rivers and lakes that allow people to fish, kayak, boat, and even raft
• Amazing cities with strong economies, excellent careers, and unique cultures
• Green spaces, forests, and access to the great outdoors

For North Carolinians, even as our state grows in population, it is vital to each of us to protect the natural resources that make our state special. Property owners in the Old North State benefit from environmentally friendly forest management services like those offered by Church & Church Lumber.

Can Forest Management Be Beneficial for the Environment?

While 300 million hectares may appear to be a large amount of forest area, it is essential to remember that this is around 30% fewer than the 423 million hectares of forests that existed in the seventeenth century. Is this something to be concerned about? Not in the least.

Since the turn of the century, the amount of forested area has remained stable. About 120 million hectares of land have been cleared of forests and converted for various purposes. The majority of this conversion, however, occurred in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Since then, we've improved our forestry techniques to ensure that our trees continue to be the regenerative resources they are.

Every year, more than two billion trees are planted. The lumber and forest products business, as well as private tree growers, plant the majority of those trees. Others are planted by a mix of local, state, and federal entities. In the end, this means that we are returning the lumber we take at roughly the same pace we use it.

The Benefits of Forest Management for North Carolina Woodlands

• Reducing Fire Risk: While wildfires are most frequently associated with forests in the West, forest fires can also occur on the East Coast. Harvesting timber can help reduce the risk of a fire on your property.
• Developing Healthier Trees: A harvester's work includes selecting the appropriate trees to chop. They must ensure that any trees that are unhealthy are harvested and removed. This helps to prevent the spread of fungi and bacteria, which can harm surrounding trees.
• Reduced Competition: Tree harvesting will cut down on competition within forests, allowing replanted trees to make the most of the resources available to them.
• Forests That Are Safer: Dead or sick trees in forests can fall at inconvenient times. Forest management ensures that dangerous trees are eliminated as soon as possible.
• Help for Animals: Wildlife habitats can be better recovered when replanted forests mature than they were before the timber was taken.

Church & Church Forestry in Wilkes and Surrounding Areas

You have desires and needs for the management of your forest that are unique to you. We approach serving you as an opportunity to understand and meet your objectives for the management of your forest. Our forest management services can help ensure you meet the goals you have for your property.

If you are in Wilkes, Alexander, Yadkin, or surrounding counties, reach out to the team at Church & Church for more information about expert forest management services.