Spruce Trees - New growth?

[MojoRisin]

My land is wet cedar swamp for the most part in the UP of MI. It was only logged once from what I can tell and that was estimated at over 30 years ago.

Much of the regeneration is from spruce trees. I want more floor openings than anything to get some natural browse. Should I be killing all these new spruce trees that are growing and seem to crop up each year? I don't think they add any nutritional value and I don't need screening or cover. I need openings!

 

[H20fwler]

If you have plenty of spruce/cedar then make some openings. Diversity is a great thing for habitat make some nice transition areas, plant some food plots and hard&soft mast if you can get it to grow on the higher spots.

 

[Corbin.clay]

What will grow in their place naturally? If you have to re-plant, I know Red osier dogwood does very well in wet swampy areas.

 

[MojoRisin]

I have created 4 food plots already. My woods are very dense (VERY dense) and the cedars are stunted for the most part. I don't think the spruce trees add any value and unless told otherwise, I'd cut them all down. I'd prefer grasses, etc would just grow. I have no plans to plant anything replacement trees.

I have had machinery in opening up areas and we've been very busy with the chainsaws doing the same ourselves. It seems like spruces just keep popping up. I wish there was some value. I know the deer eat the cedars but I have no shortage of them.