Pine straw production: from forest to front yard
This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document here.Abstract
Southern forestry may be undergoing a paradigm shift in which timber production is not necessarily the major reason for owning forested land. However, there remains interest in generating income from the land and landowners are exploring alternatives, including agroforestry practices and production of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). One such alternative more recent to the Southeast is collecting and selling pine straw for use in urban landscapes. It has been shown that longleaf pine straw will bring the landowner more money than straw from other southern pine species. The Regional Longleaf Growth Study will be utilized to provide information on the potential for pine straw production based on overstory density, age class, and site quality. This information will be combined with results of surveys of pine straw producers and buyers in Alabama to provide insight into pine straw markets in the state –from the forest to the front yard.