Early wide spacing in red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.): effects on stem form and stem growth.

Abstract

A thinning trial was established in 1962 in a 7-year-old red alder stand in northwestern Washington. Spacings were 8 x 8 ft (dense), 12 x 12 it (intermediate), and 16 x 16 ft (open). The effect of early thinning on growth and stem form was measured in 1982, 20 years after spacing treatment. There was negligible tree lean and sweep in open and intermediate stands except in areas affected by trees leaning into the plots from outside. Bled alder trees generally appear to be displaced horizontally by competing trees toward nearby open areas. Production of straight, nonleaning trees can be achieved by wide and even spacing at an early age. Trees grown in this fashion will yield significantly more high-quality wood per unit volume than can be obtained from trees in unmanaged stands.

Citation

Bormann, Bernard T. 1985. Early wide spacing in red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.): effects on stem form and stem growth. Res. Note PNW-RN-423. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 8 p