Releasing sheltered northern red oak during the early stem exclusion stage

Abstract

The utility of releasing sheltered northern red oak was examined in mesic hardwood stands in north central West Virginia. Different levels of release were applied in the spring of 1996 - six growing seasons after planting 2-0 seedlings that were protected with 5 ft corrugated plastic shelters. The planting was done in a 7.77 acre forest opening that developed abundant natural regeneration, but lacked a self-sustaining oak component. The most intensive release consisted of cutting all stems within a 5 ft radius of the sheltered tree (n = 20). A less intensive release consisted of the removal of only stems that were significantly overtopping the sheltered tree (n = 20). A control group in which the trees were not released was also incorporated into the study (n = 19).

Citation

Schuler, Thomas M.; Miller, Gary W. 1999. Releasing sheltered northern red oak during the early stem exclusion stage. In: Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Loftis, David L., eds. Proceedings: 12th central hardwood forest conference; 1999 February 28 - March 2; Lexington, KY: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-24. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 195-201.