Direct Seeding: A Forest Regeneration Alternative

Direct seeding is an artificial regeneration method that has fallen out of common use in the South, yet the technique can still provide a less expensive regeneration option for landowners in some scenarios. The technique involves planting seed from a desirable species for forest regeneration purposes. It can be accomplished either by hand or from the air. Another, more common, form of artificial forest regeneration is planting tree seedlings. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the particular situation. Either method offers the opportunity to introduce a new species. When a site is occupied by undesirable species, the only way to convert crop species is to eliminate existing cover and replace it with seed or seedlings of desirable species.

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Publication 1588 (POD-05-25)

Revised by Brady Self, PhD, Extension Professor, from the original by Andrew W. Ezell, PhD, Professor Emeritus.