Hophornbeam

[Mark Domingos]

I have a lot of hop hornbeam and hornbeam in one area and was considering trying
to remove them in favor of improving the oak and maple density in the area. My
first question is this a smart idea as far as wildlife management. The next question does this tree tend to root sucker/ stump sprout and should a herbicide
treatment method be used. Thanks in advance.

[Brett Chedzoy]

Mark,  You won't achieve any significant oak/maple regeneration or sapling recruitment (in case of existing seedlings) until you deal with the competing shade-tolerant understory - in this case, hornbeams.  If it's a relatively small area, the most cost-effective approach would probably be to hand cut the stems and treat the unfrozen stumps with herbicide.  However, this will be very time consuming, and won't scarify the soil sufficiently to stimulate new regeneration.  If the area is larger, I would suggest looking into having a forest mowing machine like a FECON (you can see photos at: http://silvopasture.ning.com/photo)  come in to mow the dense, small stems and grind the stumps to the soil (which will greatly reduce sprouting).  This will also scarify the soil and help stimulate regeneration - especially if done just prior to a good seed crop. 

[Kevin Mathers]

Mark,

In addition to all the good info Brett provided you will also want to consider the deer browse pressure in your woodlot.  Oak and maple are preferred by deer, so you don't want to waste time & money trying to get regeneration if you don't have a reasonable chance of success.  

[Rebecca Hargrave]

Mark,

To add to Brett's and Kevin's comment. Hophornbeam has a high potential to stump sprout, the taller the stump the greater the potential, so cut low. And, it can sprout vigorously. It is not really favored by deer, although they do sometimes eat it, but as per Kevin's comment, deer will be an issue.

As for other wildlife, according to Silvics: Buds and catkins of eastern hophornbeam are important winter food for ruffed grouse, equal to the value of aspen and birch, and the nuts are secondary food in the fall. It is a preferred food for sharp-tailed grouse and wild turkey and is eaten to a lesser extent by bobwhite, red and grey squirrels, cottontails, white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasant, purple finch, rose-breasted grosbeak, and downy woodpeckers.

Also, I have had good experience using hophornbeam for log mushroom production!