Stem form changes in upland oaks after thinning

Abstract

Results of two independent studies were analyzed to determine whether residual stocking after thinning had any effect on change in stem form of upland oak. One study is based on 15 years' change in Girard Form Class after thinning of an 80-year-old white oak stand in eastern Kentucky. The other, 12-year changes in Girard Form Class and breast-height form factor based on Barr and Stroud Dendrometer measurements in 35-year-old thinned upland oak stands in Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri. Sample trees in both studies were in the dominant and codominant crown classes. Neither study showed any significant differences in stem form changes that could be related to residual stocking. The change in stem form, however, was significantly correlated with the initial form for all stocking levels. Trees with the best form were more likely to deteriorate in form while the poorly formed trees were most likely to improve, regardless of the residual stocking level.

Citation

Hilt, Donald E.; Dale, Martin E. 1979. Stem form changes in upland oaks after thinning. Res. Pap. NE-433. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 7p.