At Which Diameter Does Sugar Maple Reach Financial Maturity at the Northern Edge of its Range?
| Authors: | François Guillemette, Filip Havreljuk |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Type: | Proceedings - Paper |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-GTR-P-211-paper39 |
| Source: | In: Kern, Christel C.; Dickinson, Yvette L., eds. Proceedings of the first biennial Northern Hardwood Conference 2021: Bridging science and management for the future. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-211. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 187–195. |
Abstract
Improving financial revenues from partial cuts in sugar maple (Acer saccharum) stands at the northern edge of the species' range involves harvesting trees that have reached their financial maturity size (i.e., the diameter at which their monetary value is greatest and beyond which there is no further gain). To establish the lumber value of each tree at the sawmill, a sample of 171 trees were measured, felled, bucked into logs, and sawn into boards. We estimated their value changes over 10 years using data from a network of permanent sample plots. The most vigorous and best quality maples started losing value at a diameter at breast height of 36 cm. Those belonging to the lowest grade and containing a potential sawlog increased in value, but only marginally. The low value of these trees makes the profitability of forest management challenging at the northern edge of sugar maple's range.