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Abstract
In 1937, a study comparing low and high thinning (partial crop tree release) was established in northwestern Connecticut. Oaks accounted for 65 percent of the crop trees that were partially released at stand ages 17, 26, and 42 years. Sawtimber trees had greater diameters, higher volumes, and higher tree grades on thinned than unmanaged plots. The higher oak density on the unmanaged plot was concentrated in poletimber trees (5 to 10 inches dbh). Tree sapling and shrub densities were higher on the low thinning plots. Density of a shade tolerant midstory dominated by red maple (
Acer rubrum L.) poles was increased by high thinning, but reduced by low thinning. The minimal gain in tree grade on thinned plots indicates that the high cost of thinning/cleaning in sapling stands, as implemented in this study, is unlikely to be recovered in future harvests of mature sawtimber.
Parent Publication
Citation
Ward, Jeffery S. 2003. Influence of thinning style on stand structure and growth in upland oaks: a 58-year case study. In: Van Sambeek, J. W.; Dawson, Jeffery O.; Ponder Jr., Felix; Loewenstein, Edward F.; Fralish, James S., eds. Proceedings of the 13th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-234. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 306-316
