Question
How do I responsibly halt the proliferation of pine tree growth in a forested area
of beautiful hardwoods?  The pines have taken root on an open bank of land,
along with lots of weeds and briars, the weeds are ugly and the pines will
obstruct a beautiful view that I have now.  Will cutting them down promote more
seedlings?  Thank you

Answer
The pines more than likely came from seed blown in from adjacent mature pines. They can be cut out and they will not resprout back. There may be some seed in the ground that could grow new seedlings these can be cut down as they grow up. Sounds like the area is fairly open under the hardwoods since there is enough light for the briars weeds and pines to grow. Since I do not know how large an area this is the cutting of the briars, weeds and small pine seedlings could be done with a lawn mower for small areas or a bush hog for larger areas. Once the area has been cut repeated cutting once in a while with a lawn mower should keep the under growth down.

There is a herbicide that could be use to spray the briars and weeds and smaller pines. It is use around ornamental tree planting to keep down weeds. This herbicide is called Roundup. It will kill most green vegetation so if you spray it make sure the spray does not get on any green leaves that you do not want that plant killed. IF there is grass under the hardwoods the Roundup will kill it also.  It only is active when it is sprayed on green vegetation. It will not be absorbed through he tree trunk.