Ten-Year Performance of Eastern White Pine under a Crop Tree Release Regime on an Outwash Site

• Published in: Northern Journal of Applied Forestry Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 139 - 142
• Main Authors: Desmarais, Kenneth M., Leak, William B.
• Format: Journal Article Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda Oxford University Press 01.06.2005
• ISSN: 0742-6348; 1938-3762
• DOI: 10.1093/njaf/22.2.139

Abstract A young stand of eastern white pine aged 38–40 years received a crop tree release cutting reducing stocking to 100 trees/ac. This stocking level reflects the number of stems per acre that would be contained in a well-stocked mature stand at final harvest (20-in. quadratic mean stand diameter). The stand then was monitored for growth and value change. Stems that grew from poletimber to sawtimber size had the greatest rates of annual value change. They also showed the greatest return per square-foot of crown area used. Careful early thinning that removes sawtimber and releases good-quality poletimber capable of vigorous growth can substantially increase stand earnings if markets are available.North. J. Appl. For. 22(2):139–142.