First Thinning – Opening Up the Timber Plantation
We have 33 acres of timber plantation on the ranch. It was past the ideal first thinning timing.
A little background: We acquired the ranch from a family that had owned it for 60 years. The two daughters had moved away and the property had become overgrown and behind on maintenance.
We knew we needed help. Grok helped point us toward Carl Parker with Parker Forestry. Outside of knowing we needed to do something, we didn’t know much else.
Carl and the team have been tremendous — I couldn’t recommend a better group of folks. Want proof? Here you go. Carl and team came out, gave us straight advice, helped with our options, and guided us on cost-share programs. They had a timber company out here thinning in short order.
Good help is hard to find and we value our partnership with Carl and the team. Hiring them was a no-brainer for us.
The timber crew started July 6, 2026 and will open up our timber plantation so the rest can grow to its full potential.
Initial observation: This is going to be a game changer. Not getting deep into it here, but getting sunlight to the forest floor is non-negotiable for forbs for wildlife, etc. And to keep yaupons under control — I’ll post later on my hate relationship with yaupon holly. The hate is real.
We’ll update with more photos as it progresses.
Before you go… Check out our ranch-themed merch and gear! Products – MSZ Ranching
Thanks for following along — more updates coming soon! 🚜