A Shelterwood Method for Regenerating Red Oakin the Southern Appalachians

Abstract

A shelterwood method is described that providesstand conditions that enhance the growth of established red oak advance reproduction, thereby improving the chances of maintaining an oak componentin the next stand. Stocking of a mature, fully stocked stand is reduced to 60%,65%, and 70% of initial stand basal area where oak site index is 70, 80, and 90 ft, respectively. The basal area reduction is accomplished from below using herbicides,leaving the main canopy essentially intact. This leveland method of treatment prevents yellow-poplar, a primary competitor of red oak, from becoming established and growing prior to the final removal cut, and it eliminates most sprout competition from shade-tolerant subcanopy species after the final removal cut. The final removalcut can be made approximately 10 years after the initial treatment.

Keywords

Regeneration, prescribed fire.

Citation

Loftis, David L. 1990. A Shelterwood Method for Regenerating Red Oakin the Southern Appalachians. Forest Science, Vol. 36, No. 4, December, 1990