Thinning effects on basal area growth of red maple (Acer Rubrum L.)

Abstract

Red maple (Acer rubrum L.) is one of the most abundant and wide spread tree species in North America. Due to the characteristic poor form and wood quality of red maple, it is often categorized as a soft maple and most commonly merchandised as pulp. Because of the increasing interest and occurrence of red maple, a study analysis was conducted to test several silvicultural thinning treatments on red maple growth in even-aged stands located in Upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin by examining stand dynamics over a 14 year study period. The effects of the silvicultural treatments of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 ft2 residual basal area per acre respectively, were examined. Plots were remeasured every 5 years. The increase in stand parameters such as basal area, average percent DBH (diameter at breast height), stand density and stand volume were calculated and analyzed. Diameter and volume growth of the 40 ft2 were shown to increase the most over time.

Parent Publication

• 12th Central Hardwood Forest Conference

Citation

Londo, H. Alexis; Strong, Terry  R.; Soares, Helga; Reed, David D. 1999. Thinning effects on basal area growth of red maple (Acer Rubrum L.). In: Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Loftis, David L., eds. 1999. Proceedings, 12th central hardwood forest conference; 1999 February 28-March 1-2; Lexington, KY. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-24. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 293 p.