Innovation award recognises e-thinning advancement

The industry science award was presented to Sam at the recent Forest Growers Research conference.

E-thinning is the innovative practice of managing forest estates through chemical application to efficiently remove trees.  Unlike traditional thinning carried out using chainsaws, e-thinning offers a cost efficient and low-impact alternative. 

Sam initially commenced testing chemicals and application methods in 2010, and over the next decade, systematically tested, monitored and refined a range of chemical dosages and methods of application before arriving at the treatment applied today.

During this time Sam monitored mortality, decay and breakdown, as well as identifying and considering operational, environmental, biological, and H&S risks associated with chemical treatment and subsequent tree death.

Paul Adams of Forest Growers Research says Sam’s work has been a game changer for the industry.

“While chemical thinning as a treatment is not new, development and refinement of chemical dosage and the application method were needed to derisk the operation from both an operational and efficacy standpoint, enabling the widespread adoption of this as an alternative technique.

“Sam’s commitment to finding the optimum approach to e-thinning, together with his generous sharing of his knowledge with the wider industry has changed the way New Zealand forestry companies approach the important operation of thinning,” says Paul.

Sam says it was thanks to Matariki Forests’ encouragement to think outside the box and continually look for better ways to do things that gave him and other team members the opportunity to trial different products and methodologies.

“Previously, e-thinning has been a time-consuming practice that was not always guaranteed to succeed.  Now we have the blueprint for a 100% effective approach that is highly cost-effective, provides operational flexibility and delivers the results we need.”

As a result of Sam’s findings, many of New Zealand’s largest forestry companies are now undertaking a level of e-thinning.  A survey of these companies shows the current  industry level of e-thinning is around 25% with a forecasted increase to around 40% in 2026.

The implementation of chemical thinning has delivered immense enhanced economic value to the sector with one forest owner commenting “it’s probably one of the most significant cost saving opportunities in our industry.”

Crew productivity has more than doubled compared to traditional chainsaw thinning. But it’s not just about the numbers. While this approach brings a direct economic benefit, it has also shifted the management focus. Now, teams can concentrate on selecting the most appropriate stems, rather than the physical task of felling trees. This has made the workplace more collaborative and social, encouraging better teamwork and interaction.