Ep. 11: Timber Stand Improvement and Invasive Control – What You Can Do to Improve Your Property

Описание: On this episode of The Outdoor Aligned Podcast, Luke sits down with his friend Andrew Helton, a professional forester from Missouri, to break down Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) and invasive species control—and why nearly every property can benefit from it.

They dive into why proper TSI is so important for overall land health and how it can dramatically improve wildlife habitat for species like whitetail deer, turkeys, and quail, while also increasing the long-term financial value of your timber.

Luke and Andrew also discuss common invasive species in Missouri, including multiflora rose, autumn olive, and bush honeysuckle, and practical ways landowners can start battling these invasions on their own properties. The conversation expands into non-native or low-value tree species like honey locust, black locust, elm, and eastern red cedar, and how they often take more from your farm than they give.

To wrap things up, Andrew shares insight into his personal “play farm,” where he experiments with different land management strategies. What was once an old cattle farm is now a highly diversified property holding five coveys of quail along with strong deer and turkey numbers.

No matter the size of your property, anyone can improve their land using some of the methods discussed in this episode. If you’re into land management, habitat improvement, or making your ground work better for wildlife and your future, give this episode a listen.