Max loblolly pine growth for August 5th in the first growing season in the South Carolina (Anderson County) Upstate Region of the US?

With 3 additional months remaining and pending in this current growing season, the biggest tree to date on this site is 4' tall, many trees are 3-3.5' tall and lots of trees are 2-3' tall at this point. With the water stored and pest protection in place, another 1'+ of height growth on the smaller trees, and 2' of height growth on the larger trees is expected prior to first frost; thus tree height expectations for November 2022 (end of the growing season) range from 2.5 to 6', with a mean of 3 to 3.5'.

Does this represent the max potential growth curve for this region? Almost. The genetics are leading edge (GenTreeXT CMP-infused loblolly delivered in containers grown out at PRT). Nutrients are not limiting. Available carbon is high. Both the chemical site preparation and the herbaceous weed control were delivered in the right timing windows and without toxic prescriptions to the young pines. Protection includes deer browse and tip moth. Only the planting timing could have been better. The trees were planted late February of 2022. A fall 2021 planting could have increased the current height by 1 to 1.5' by August.

What about more rain? Would that have added growth? This area experienced no rain for a 5-6 week spell in early April through mid-May, yet early growth is strong. Eliminating herbicide toxicity, storing soil water, and controlling tip moth damage are positive for working through spring droughts in the first planting season.

What does a 3' to 3.5' average tree at the end of year 1 and strong site ownership of resources mean for continued growth for the next 5 years? For a 25-year rotation? These are the questions to ask. Interested in learning more about optimizing early growth of your pine plantations? The best place to learn, bar none, is participating in the Forest Owners Research and Technology Exchange.