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19 October 2021

Best Practice Event – Thinning of Conifers

Thursday 21 October, Tullamore, Co Offaly

Registrations have now closed.

The Teagasc Forestry Development Department in association with the Forestry Division, DAFM invites forest owners to an important outdoor event focusing on the thinning management of semi-mature older conifer forests to improve timber quality while maximising future financial returns.

Focus

Many Norway spruce and Sitka spruce forests are approaching second or third thinning stage with the potential to produce increasing volumes of valuable commercial timber. This event will focus on how research guides the best thinning practice of Sitka spruce and Norway spruce. This approach also promotes timber quality, protects crop stability and grows future financial returns.

Event details

  • Date: Thursday 21 October 2021
  • Time:
    • Morning session: 10.30am or
    • Afternoon session: 2 pm
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Location: Tullamore, Co Offaly. Registered participants will be informed of the meeting point a few days prior to the event. 

Please note:

  • Pre-registration is required for either session. You will be informed of the meeting point a few days before the event.
  • Completion of a COVID Health Declaration Form will be required.
  • Attendance is limited to 30 attendees at each session, so early registration is advised.
  • Please bring raingear, wellington boots and own refreshments

Programme

Teagasc forestry advisers and researchers will discuss a range of important thinning topics including:

  • Planning for thinning 
  • Thinning plot measurements 
  • Modelling thinning impact on future crop growth 
  • Practical tree marking exercises 

Practical tree marking exercise

The practical tree marking exercise consists of an interactive session on best practice in thinning Sitka and Norway spruce crops. 

The session will include an interactive learning session where participants will learn about thinning systems, types of trees to remove and volume to be removed in thinning using an interactive demonstration.

The session will be led by Dr Niall Farrelly who will discuss the results of thinning research and guide participants through the process of thinning for the production of high quality sawlog. 

Further information