Chemical Maintenance

Source: PEI Ecosystem-Based Forest Management Standards Manual (October 2025), p. 12

What it is

Chemical maintenance uses herbicide to suppress unwanted vegetation competing with seedlings that are already established. The aim is faster growth and better survival of the crop trees.

Eligibility

• An appropriate pre-harvest covertype and species diversity (see Planting Standards and Diversity Enhancement).
• Unwanted vegetation is competing with the seedlings, or has the potential to.
• Limit: a maximum of two treatments per site are eligible.
• Stocking: at least 70% of the prescribed establishment density.
  • Below 70%, a planting treatment has to come after the herbicide work, as long as the site is eligible for planting (see Fill Planting).

Standards and inspection

• Before: a PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife technician visually confirms the competition is there.
• After: a visual inspection confirms the vegetation was treated.
• Legal requirements: use only registered herbicides, applied according to the label by a licensed applicator, in compliance with the federal Pest Control Products Act, the PEI Pesticide Control Act and related regulations.

Based on the PEI Ecosystem-Based Forest Management Standards Manual (October 2025), p. 12. Where this guide and the manual differ, the manual governs.