Weed control should be continued for at least three years after planting, when for closely planted trees, the canopy should be closing over. Widely spaced trees or trees in wood-pastures or parks will benefit from a weed free area around the base for five to ten years after planting, depending on speed of establishment. See Chapter 6 – Woodland Management for details on weed control of grasses and herbaceous growth. See Chapter 8 – The young woodland for details on controlling unwanted shrubs and other woody weeds.
Treeshelters and guards should be removed once they are no longer needed. Treeshelters are designed to break down with time, but may not do so due to increased shade. Spiral guards become useless once the spiral has opened, and if left can become tangled in the base of the stem.
Fencing against domestic stock will normally need to be kept in good condition permanently. However, limited grazing by domestic stock enclosed within the woodland, or allowed access at certain times, can help encourage diversity. The need for permanent fencing against deer and rabbits needs assessment, as limited grazing may improve the woodland habitat by keeping glades open and undergrowth under control.
The likelihood of squirrel damage must be assessed, and action taken in time to prevent damage occurring. Grey squirrels can severely damage or kill trees between 5 and 40 years old, by stripping the bark anywhere on the main stem from the base to the crown. Beech, oak, sycamore and sweet chestnut are most vulnerable. Damage occurs between the middle of March and the middle of July, with the worst damage usually occurring about the third week in June. By the time it’s noticed it’s too late to do anything. Traps baited with Warfarin are the normal method of control, which must start before damage occurs. There are strict regulations regarding the use of Warfarin, and a National Proficiency Test Certificate is required for its use. Advice should be sought from the local office of the Forestry Commission.
The woodland is established when the trees are growing vigorously without the need for regular weeding. However, periodic work is still needed, and in particular thinning must be done at the appropriate time. If thinning is neglected, the trees will become overcrowded and spindly. Late thinning will be much more difficult, expensive and less effective.
The management aim in newly established woodland should be to manipulate species composition and woodland structure to lead to the development of diverse and attractive woodland. This may include pruning and thinning, the removal of unwanted invasive species, the clearance of undergrowth and the favouring of any desirable natural colonisation. Small areas can be coppiced to add structural diversity, or understorey shrubs can be planted.
Once conditions of shade are suitable, woodland bulbs and flowering plants can be introduced to the woodland.
