Abstract
Clearcut openings were created in mixed stands of southern New England hardwoods, hemlock, and white pines to observe the development of new stands in which all species started simultaneously. All preexisting woody plants, except beech root-suckers and very small seedlings of red oak and hemlock, were eliminated. Natural seedfall was augmented by direct seeding of some species. The main result, after 2 decades, was replacement of the predominant hardwood species of the old stand by black, paper, and yellow birch. Pin cherry and gray birch were initially prominent, especially near the centers of openings, but had died or become moribund. Hemlocks and white pines from new seed persisted in the bottom strata. Except for the birches and black cherry, the hardwood species of the previous stand showed little or no capacity to develop from seed that germinated after clearcutting and removal of advanced growth. North. J. Appl. For. 10(1):14-19.
Effect of Browsing, Seedbed, and Competition on the Development of Yellow Birch Seedlings in High-Graded Stands