Winter Forestry Across the U.S.: How Foresters Put the Season to Work

By Jennifer Hunt (Content Writer)

Have you ever wondered what foresters do in the winter? The answer is: it depends! Foresters and land managers work on region-specific forestry and silvicultural activities during the winter months to provide highly specialized and customized services for clients. From harvesting and monitoring to planting and planning, winter plays a vital role in setting forests up for long-term success. Let’s take a look at how winter forestry work differs across the regions where AFM operates.

In the Northeast and Lake States, winter is prime time for logging. Not only does the snow and ice of winter allow previously impassable areas to be reached, but it also provides numerous ecological benefits to the soil and surrounding areas. For instance, snow prevents soil compaction and acts as a barrier, cushioning sensitive vegetation and soil from the heavy machinery required for harvesting. Once the snow melts, seasonal winter roads often leave little evidence behind, blending back into the environment and re-vegetating quickly. Additionally, rocky or uneven terrain becomes more navigable in winter. Snow fills in gaps between boulders and rocks, creating a smoother, safer path for logging equipment. The freezing temperatures reduce the risk of log staining, keeping hardwood logs pristine and increasing their marketability. Mills often stock up inventories during winter, ensuring steady demand and favorable deliveries for loggers. While winter in the Northeast and Lake States creates ideal conditions for harvesting, other regions use the season less for production and more for observation, preparation, and planning.

In the Pacific Northwest, winter offers foresters valuable insights that inform future management decisions, from forest health to stand improvement and wildlife use. Subtle signs, such as increased woodpecker activity and bark scattered across the snow, can indicate the presence of beetle infestations long before a tree shows visible decline, allowing landowners and managers to plan timely interventions. Winter conditions also support stand improvement work, including pruning, as snow cover and tools like snowshoes provide access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach; this work typically concludes by late winter to reduce the risk of attracting pine beetles in the spring. At the same time, foresters observe wildlife tracks to understand where animals are finding thermal cover, helping identify areas that may warrant protection or special consideration during future management activities.

In the Southeast, cooler temperatures and favorable ground conditions support several key activities that set the stage for long-term success. From January through mid-March, tree planting is in full swing, with loblolly and longleaf pine seedlings planted during dormancy to take advantage of increased soil moisture and improved survival rates. This season is also ideal for site preparation on southern pine tracts, whether through herbicide applications on well-drained sites or mechanical treatments such as bedding on poorly drained soils, ensuring seedlings are established in optimal growing conditions. Winter also provides an excellent window for boundary line maintenance, as conditions improve visibility and help clearly mark property lines and timber sale boundaries. Foresters also conduct timber inventories and pre-merchantable thinning during this time, evaluating seedling survival, updating volumes, and reducing competition in young pine plantations. Together, these winter activities allow landowners to move efficiently from planning to implementation while protecting soil, water quality, and long-term forest productivity.

Lastly, regardless of region, winter is a season for assessment, preparation, and looking ahead. Foresters use this time to inventory timber, evaluate forest health, monitor wildlife use, and help landowners plan for the year ahead. These winter insights guide spring and summer activities, ensuring that management decisions are timely, effective, and aligned with long-term goals. Contact your AFM forester or land manager to lay the groundwork for a healthy, productive forest, no matter the season.