Chemical Site Preparation
Source: PEI Ecosystem-Based Forest Management Standards Manual (October 2025), pp. 8–9
What it is
Chemical site preparation uses herbicide to suppress unwanted vegetation before trees are established. It reduces competition so seedlings survive better.
Eligibility
- An appropriate pre-harvest covertype and species diversity (see Planting Standards and Diversity Enhancement).
- Last resort: use it only where other techniques have already failed on an appropriate covertype.
- Field sites qualify where existing vegetation holds back seedling establishment and/or survival.
- Pre-application inspection confirms two things: competing vegetation is present, and rare plants are absent.
Standards and assessment
- Target: control over at least 90% of the prescribed density.
- Post-application inspection: confirms the competing 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.
Treating only part of a site (band or spot spraying) is called a partial herbicide application.
Based on the PEI Ecosystem-Based Forest Management Standards Manual (October 2025), pp. 8–9. Where this guide and the manual differ, the manual governs.