A simple system for classifying sugar maple vigour and quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 900-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm J.L. Cecil-Cockwell ◽  
John P. Caspersen
Keyword(s):  
Classification System ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Commercial Logging

In northern hardwood forests, treemarkers are responsible for selecting the trees to be harvested during commercial logging operations. They often select trees based on the presence and severity of defects, information that is used to assign trees to two or more vigour classes (reflecting the risk of dying or declining in growth) and two or more quality classes (reflecting the potential for recovering valuable sawlogs). Using these classes can simplify the tree selection process, but some classification systems may include superfluous classes beyond what is required to explain the variation in tree value. In this paper, we present a parsimonious classification system for sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) trees using formal classification analyses of empirical product recovery data. We also calculated the net value of trees in each class and assessed which defects affect tree value. Our results show that relatively few defects affect tree value, indicating that treemarkers should use a simpler classification system to describe the vigour and quality of trees. Specifically, we found that the best system contains just three classes: high vigour-high quality, low vigour-high quality, and low vigour-low quality. The use of this simple, easily implemented system would improve the ability of treemarkers to recognize the value of sugar maple trees when selecting the trees to be harvested during commercial logging operations.

scholarly journals Relationships between Tree Vigor Indices and a Tree Classification System Based upon Apparent Stem Defects in Northern Hardwood Stands

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edouard Moreau ◽  
Steve Bédard ◽  
Guillaume Moreau ◽  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Classification System ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Efficiency Index ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Northern Hardwood

Many northern hardwood stands include several low-vigor trees as a result of past management. To restore these degraded stands, partial cuts are applied with partly validated tree classification systems that are based upon apparent stem defects. We sampled 214 sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and 84 yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) trees from six sites covering the northern hardwood forest zone of the Province of Quebec, Canada. We evaluated their vigor with a four-class system, and quantified the growth efficiency index and several indices that were based solely upon radial growth. The growth efficiency index increased non-significantly with increasing tree vigor class. The five-year basal area increment (BAI-1-5) was significantly different between the lowest and highest tree vigor classes. Yet, temporal changes in BAI-1-5 helped classify correctly only 16% of high-vigor trees that became poorly vigorous 8–10 years later. Overall, these results suggest that the tree classification system is weakly related to actual tree vigor and its application likely generates few significant gains in future stand vigor. Modifying and simplifying the tree vigor system must be considered to facilitate the tree marking process that is required to improve the vigor of degraded stands.

Quality of mature aspen and maple forests for breeding Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius)

2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas C. Tozer ◽  
Erica Nol ◽  
Dawn M. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Quaking Aspen ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Lower Productivity ◽  
Per Capita

Mature aspen (genus Populus L..) and maple (genus Acer L.) forests appear to be high-quality breeding habitat for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers ( Sphyrapicus varius (L., 1766)). To explore some of the mechanisms that influence quality of the breeding habitat, we measured demographic and breeding resources in four forest stands each of 95-year-old quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) and 182-year-old sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, from 2007 to 2009. Population density was higher, egg laying earlier, clutches larger, hatching success greater, and per capita and population fledgling production higher in maple stands compared with aspen stands. Longer nest-building and prelaying stages in aspen stands delayed egg laying by 5 days relative to maple stands. The delay in egg laying in aspen stands may have been caused by lower quality sap resources, which then resulted in lower productivity. Adults delivered smaller food loads to nests in aspen stands than in maple stands, which may have increased nestling mortality in aspen stands. Although per capita fledgling production was lower in aspen stands than in maple stands, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in both forests were able to replace themselves, suggesting that mature deciduous and mixed-deciduous forests, in general, are high-quality breeding habitat for this sapsucker.

Complex drivers of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) regeneration reveal challenges to long-term sustainability of managed northern hardwood forests

2021 ◽  
Vol 479 ◽  
pp. 118541
Author(s):  
Catherine R. Henry ◽  
Michael B. Walters ◽  
Andrew O. Finley ◽  
Gary J. Roloff ◽  
Evan J. Farinosi
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood

Snag dynamics in partially harvested and unmanaged northern hardwood forests

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 2769-2779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark C Vanderwel ◽  
John P Caspersen ◽  
Murray E Woods
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Permanent Sample Plots ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Management Scenario ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Fall Rates ◽  
Snag Dynamics

We used data from hardwood-dominated permanent sample plots in Ontario to estimate the probability of a tree falling during the 5 year period in which it dies ("tree fall"), and likewise the 5 year probability of snag fall. Tree fall probabilities ranged from 5% to 31% across species, with smaller dead trees more likely to be downed than larger ones. Expected half-lives (median time from death to fall) for 25 cm diameter snags varied from 5 to 13 years among species. Fall rates were higher for 10 cm diameter snags but relatively constant for 20–60 cm diameter snags. Recent harvesting substantially increased the probabilities of both tree fall and snag fall, with the former effect most pronounced for small individuals. We used these estimated fall rates to simulate snag dynamics in uneven-aged sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) stands. Mean snag densities were 32 and 50 snags/ha in selection-management and old-growth scenarios, respectively. Fifty-four percent of this difference was attributable to the lower density of live trees in the selection-management scenario, while 31% was attributable to losses of snags during harvesting. Silvicultural practices that strategically increase tree mortality rates, together with snag retention, as far as safety permits, during harvesting, could represent an effective approach to snag management under the selection system.

scholarly journals Potential for Sugar Maple to Provide High-Quality Sawlog Trees at the Northern Edge of Its Range

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-419
Author(s):  
François Guillemette ◽  
Steve Bédard
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Additional Increase ◽  
Selection Cutting ◽  
Soil Variables ◽  
Northern Edge

AbstractThe management of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) at the northern edge of its range is mainly oriented toward timber production, from trees of higher grades. However, both the quality of mature trees in natural stands and how the quality may vary depending on the silvicultural treatment are unknown, especially under northern conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the variation in stem quality of mature maple trees (diameter >33 cm) according to climatic, geographic or soil variables, and to evaluate the effects of a first selection cutting cycle on this quality. Annual temperature (1.7–4.1° C) was the most important variable explaining differences in the proportion of higher-grade trees, with a 16 percent gain associated with every additional increase in degrees Celsius. The practice of a first selection cutting was associated with an 11 percent gain in this proportion. Although the actual proportion of high-quality trees was below 35 percent on the coolest sites, a proper tree selection through silviculture could likely improve this proportion in future decades, whereas the potential effects of climate change are unclear.

scholarly journals Toward the Development of a Comprehensive Clinically Oriented Patient Profile: A Systematic Review of the Purpose, Characteristic, and Methodological Quality of Classification Systems of Adult Spinal Deformity

Neurosurgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenny Yat Hong Kwan ◽  
J Naresh-Babu ◽  
Wilco Jacobs ◽  
Marinus de Kleuver ◽  
David W Polly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Adult Spinal Deformity ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Systematic Literature Search ◽  
Patient Profile

Abstract BACKGROUND Existing adult spinal deformity (ASD) classification systems are based on radiological parameters but management of ASD patients requires a holistic approach. A comprehensive clinically oriented patient profile and classification of ASD that can guide decision-making and correlate with patient outcomes is lacking. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review to determine the purpose, characteristic, and methodological quality of classification systems currently used in ASD. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science for literature published between January 2000 and October 2018. From the included studies, list of classification systems, their methodological measurement properties, and correlation with treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS Out of 4470 screened references, 163 were included, and 54 different classification systems for ASD were identified. The most commonly used was the Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab classification system. A total of 35 classifications were based on radiological parameters, and no correlation was found between any classification system levels with patient-related outcomes. Limited evidence of limited quality was available on methodological quality of the classification systems. For studies that reported the data, intraobserver and interobserver reliability were good (kappa = 0.8). CONCLUSION This systematic literature search revealed that current classification systems in clinical use neither include a comprehensive set of dimensions relevant to decision-making nor did they correlate with outcomes. A classification system comprising a core set of patient-related, radiological, and etiological characteristics relevant to the management of ASD is needed.

scholarly journals Effects of Mechanical Site Preparation on the Abundance and Diversity of Ground-Layer Vegetation in Adirondack Northern Hardwood Stands

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi A. Forrester ◽  
Kimberly K. Bohn
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
Ground Layer ◽  
American Beech ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Fern Species

Abstract Forest management in northern hardwoods benefits from the use of site preparation treatments when the amount of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) and fern species in the understory interferes with regeneration of more desirable species, e.g., sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall). We assessed the cover and diversity of herbaceous and woody species in the ground layer of three Adirondack northern hardwood stands before and 3 years after a mechanical site preparation that removed all trees less than 14 cm with a brush saw. The treatment significantly increased the cover of all species cumulatively, with herbaceous, shrub, and arborescent species increasing significantly more in treated plots than in untreated plots. Sugar maple cover increased more in treated plots than in untreated plots, although American beech did as well. Species richness increased significantly more in treated plots than in untreated plots, but differences in diversity and evenness were not significantly different because of treatment after 3 years. Multivariate analysis indicated only minor changes in the plant community composition. Results show that mechanical site preparation techniques are a viable option for promoting abundance and maintaining diversity of the ground-layer vegetation in northern hardwood forests.

Long-term impact of liming on growth and vigor of northern hardwoods

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1295-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Long ◽  
Stephen B. Horsley ◽  
Thomas J. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Crown Health ◽  
Lime Application ◽  
Species Specific

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) is a keystone species in the northern hardwood forest, and decline episodes have negatively affected the growth and health of sugar maple in portions of its range over the past 50+ years. Crown health, growth, survival, and flower and seed production of sugar maple were negatively affected by a widespread decline event in the mid-1980s on the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau in northern Pennsylvania. A long-term liming study was initiated in 1985 to evaluate responses to a one-time application of 22.4 Mg·ha–1 of dolomitic limestone in four northern hardwood stands. Over the 23-year period ending in 2008, sugar maple basal area increment (BAINC) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in limed plots from 1995 through 2008, whereas American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) BAINC was unaffected. For black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), the third principal overstory species, BAINC and survival were reduced in limed plots compared with unlimed plots. Foliar Ca and Mg remained significantly higher in sugar maple foliage sampled 21 years after lime application, showing persistence of the lime effect. These results show long-term species-specific responses to lime application.

scholarly journals Sugar Maple Height-Diameter and Age-Diameter Relationships in an Uneven-Aged Northern Hardwood Stand

1999 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura S. Kenefic ◽  
Ralph D. Nyland
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Selection System ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Central New York ◽  
Growing Conditions

Abstract Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) height-diameter and age-diameter relationships are explored in a balanced uneven-aged northern hardwood stand in central New York. Results show that although both height and age vary considerably with diameter, these relationships can be described by statistically valid equations. The age-diameter relationship compares favorably to one reported by Tubbs (1977) for sugar maple in unmanaged (virgin) northern hardwoods, suggesting that periodic cuttings improved growing conditions in our stand. Deliberate attempts to control size-class distribution and tree spacing should continue to increase diameter growth rates and decrease the time needed to reach certain threshold tree sizes. Growth rates that can be reasonably expected in this and similarly structured stands are provided. Lastly, a wide range of heights and diameters are documented, confirming the structural complexity associated with the balanced selection system. An equation to predict sugar maple height from diameter is provided and may prove useful when assessing habitat or visual characteristics of complex uneven-aged stands. North. J. Appl. For. 16(1):43-47.

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