Can You Use Hinge Cutting To Create Wildlife Corridors?

Creating Wildlife Corridors through Hinge Cutting

Hinge cutting is a selective thinning technique that involves making a precise cut through the trunk of a tree, just below a branch, to create a hinge that allows the tree to fall in a controlled manner. By strategically applying hinge cutting to individual trees or small groups, wildlife managers can create corridors that facilitate animal movement through dense woodlands. For example, hinge cutting can be used to create 10-20 foot wide corridors by removing select trees, allowing deer to move freely between bedding areas and food sources.

Enhancing Habitat Connectivity with TSI

To further enhance wildlife connectivity, hinge cutting can be combined with other techniques like Timber Stand Improvement (TSI). TSI involves removing trees that are stressed, dying, or dead, as well as those that are competing with the remaining trees for resources. By applying TSI to the area being hinge cut, wildlife managers can create a more open and diverse habitat that not only allows for corridor creation but also enhances overall deer health and well-being. For example, removing 20-30% of the trees in a 10-acre area can help create a more open canopy, allowing sunlight to penetrate and promoting the growth of understory vegetation that deer rely on for food and cover.