A Shelterwood-Burn Technique for Regenerating Productive Upland Oak Sites in the Piedmont Region

Abstract

Regenerating oak stands on productive uplandsires is widely recognized byforesters as a major problem in hardwood management. Recent research indicates that oak regeneration is more resistant to surface fires than its primary competitors on these sites if burning occurs 3 to 5 yr after a partial overstory harvest. This combination of cutting followed by fire (shelterwood-burn technique) mimics natural disturbances that have occurred in eastern North America for millennia and appears to be a viable approach to regenerating oaks on productive upland sites. This paper presents silvicultural guidelines for applying rhe shelterwood-burn technique on producrive upland sites anddiscusses its benefits for private landowners and resource professionals.

Citation

Brose, Patrick H.; van Lear, David H.; Keyser, Patrick D. 1999. A Shelterwood-Burn Technique for Regenerating Productive Upland Oak Sites in the Piedmont Region. South. J. Appl. 16(3):158-163