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Abstract
A study of residual saplings and poles left after clearcutting indicates that sugar maple and beech are capable of surviving and gowing well after this type of drastic release. Epicormic branches developed on many trees, but those that were free of epicormics before cutting tended to remain free of them after exposure. Residual trees did not interfere with the establishment of intolerant regeneration, but have begun to affect height growth of regeneration 6 years after cutting where the residual density exceeded 10 to 15 square feet (ft²) of basal area per acre. Good results from residuals are likely only if trees with at least moderately vigorous crowns and clean boles are selected for retention prior to cutting; 30 to 80 such trees per acre should be retained.
Citation
Marquis, David A. 1981. Survival, growth, and quality of residual trees following clearcutting in Allegheny hardwood forests. Res. Pap. NE-477. Broomall, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiemnt Station. 9p.
