Softwood plantations have been grown in the Green Triangle for over a century. Both the Victorian and South Australia State Governments fostered the early plantings, by their active participation in developing state owned plantations.

Softwood plantations are managed on a 28-37 year rotation. During this time the plantation may be thinned 3 to 4 times. Thinning occurs at regular intervals to reduce competition between the trees, allowing the plantation to grow high quality sawlogs.

Thinning plantations can produce returns from about 10 years old. Early thinnings tend to be predominantly used for pulp and treated posts (preservation). Later thinnings can also produce sawlogs. The product mix will depend upon the age of thinning and the quality of the plantation.

The history of softwood plantations in the Green Triangle has resulted in considerable research being undertaken by the companies to improve their management and thus the yield quantity and quality. Cooperative research has also resulted in a better understanding of the variations in plantations and how to maximise the growth and thus return on the investment.

Forest owners have a range of rotation length from 28-37 years.  Shorter rotation lengths are currently being phased in by some operators and therefore there are some older plantations. This reduction in rotation age has resulted in a slightly higher level of harvesting during recent years.