| June 1, 2023
Contact: Jason Hartman, 989-275-5151
What’s with those trees? They’re making seeds for the future
 Folks rolling along Michigan roads may notice some strange-looking forestry: Stands where some red pines have been cut and others remain, but have their tops sheared off.
The scenes – near Roscommon, along U.S. 2 near Manistique and near the Cheboygan County town of Wolverine – look forlorn. But despite their disheveled look, these trees will create seeds to make sure red pines grow in Michigan well into the future.
“Red pine is a difficult species to regenerate naturally because they don’t generate cones on a regular basis,” said Jason Hartman, silviculturist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “But it’s an important tree in Michigan for forest restoration, timber and carbon sequestration. We plant seedlings as the most common method to regenerate red pine, but we need large volumes of seed to grow that many seedlings.”
When tops are cut out of the trees, the bottom branches become bushy and generate cones that can easily be harvested to provide more seeds for future plantings.
“We know it looks strange right now, but it will look better as the trees respond and as we continue to manage those seed collection areas” Hartman said.
Red pine trees typically grow 50 to 80 feet tall, but can reach 100 feet in height. That makes them perfect for one of their key uses: as utility poles. Red pine also is used for lumber and paper, making them a valuable part of Michigan’s nearly $22 billion forest economy.
Michigan’s landscape supports about 220 million red pines, according to the USDA Forest Service. Red pine trees also provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife including birds and small animals.
The DNR plants approximately 4 million red pine seedlings per year in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. Cones are collected in September, dried and then frozen for future use.
Note to editors: The accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
- What’s up with those trees? Red pine trees in several locations around the state look like they’ve been ravaged, but the work was actually done with purpose. The strange-looking trims allow for the easy harvest of cones to provide seed for planting.
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Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in June. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems or collecting native seeds for prairie restoration.
Help improve wildlife habitat and hunting access with 
The DNR is hosting virtual public meetings to provide information on the state land review process and opportunities for feedback on recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell DNR-managed public land in 11 counties: Baraga, Benzie, Clare, Clinton, Genesee, Ionia, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Shiawassee and Wayne.
With increasing temperatures across Michigan, anglers, boaters and lakefront property owners may discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that it is common — summer heat conditions can cause fish and other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die.
With slightly cooler weather aiding firefighting efforts, crews continued work Monday to suppress the Wilderness Trail Fire that has burned an estimated 2,400 acres southeast of Grayling. The fire is more than 90% contained.
People cause nine out of 10 wildfires and burning yard debris is the top wildfire cause in Michigan. The Wilderness Trail Fire started with a campfire.
It’s important to water trees correctly. When watering, prioritize newly planted or high-value trees. Water newly established trees weekly and established trees every two to three weeks. A long, slow soak under the tree’s dripline, the ground where branches extend over, is best, so soil is saturated at least 10 to 12 inches deep. Once a week is generally enough. Overwatering can create problems too, so if soil under the tree is moist, you don’t need to add more water.
Fire crews are still mopping up today after an escaped campfire caused an approximately 136-acre wildfire Sunday near Manton in Wexford County.
Here are tips to keep your outdoor activities fire safe: