Treating seedling and sapling stands for wildlife

Abstract

What you want to focus on during the seedling-sapling stage is understory development and species selection. By thinning newly regenerated stands you increase sunlight and therefore the abundance and nutritional value of herbaceous vegetation. Thinning allows you to favor understory species that provide browse, forage, and seeds for wildlife. Precommercial thinning in sapling stands should promote vertical and horizontal diversity. This will benefit both timber and wildlife as stands mature.

Parent Publication

• Central hardwood notes

Citation

Michael, Edwin D. 1989. Treating seedling and sapling stands for wildlife. In: Hutchinson, Jay G., ed. Central hardwood notes. St. Paul, MN.: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 9.03