Manual Maintenance
Source: PEI Ecosystem-Based Forest Management Standards Manual (October 2025), pp. 11–12
What it is
Manual maintenance removes or suppresses unwanted vegetation competing with established seedlings, using hands or handheld tools. The aim is less competition and better growth and survival of the crop trees.
Eligibility
| Test | Standard |
|---|---|
| Covertype and diversity | Appropriate pre-harvest covertype and species diversity (see Planting Standards and Diversity Enhancement) |
| Competition | Unwanted vegetation is competing with, or harming, the seedlings — or has the potential to |
| Crop-tree stocking | At least 70% of the desired density and species |
| Excluded competition | Not eligible where the main competition is shrubs such as raspberry or blackberry, and/or annual plants |
| Stand age or height | Average crop-tree height 0.5–6.0 m, or established for at least three growing seasons (counting the year of treatment) |
| Exceptions | Other areas, including stands taller than 6 m, are considered case by case — notify the Department in advance and get its interpretation |
Standards and inspection
Methods. Pull, grub or cut unwanted vegetation from around the seedlings, and establish a competition control zone around each one. Larger woody stems may be girdled.
Timing. Schedule the work before the plantation reaches the stem exclusion phase.
Handling cut and broken stems:
| Situation | Standard |
|---|---|
| Woody stems cut off | Stump no higher than 15 cm; keep cut stems off the crop trees |
| Woody stems broken but left attached | Break no higher than 2 m; keep stems off the crop trees; tell the owner about the safety concerns of this practice |
Damage limit. No more than 5% of established seedlings damaged. Damage means bark damage that exposes more than 1 cm² of sapwood.
Result. Crop trees stay free of significant side and overhead competition for a minimum of two growing seasons, counting the treatment year.
Based on the PEI Ecosystem-Based Forest Management Standards Manual (October 2025), pp. 11–12. Where this guide and the manual differ, the manual governs.