Response of ice-damaged northern hardwood stands in northern New York

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (01) ◽  
pp. 77-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph D. Nyland ◽  
Jeremy L. Dalton ◽  
Douglas C. Allen ◽  
Eddie Bevilacqua
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Ice Storm ◽  
Rehabilitation Treatment ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Canopy Trees ◽  
Tree Survival ◽  
Epicormic Branching

At three previously thinned, even-aged northern hardwood stands affected by the 1998 ice storm, we evaluated the responses of trees in plots given a rehabilitation treatment, and compared findings to adjacent untreated areas. In both the rehabilitated and untreated areas mortality seemed consistent with regional norms for northern hardwood stands. Trees that died after the storm had essentially complete crown loss due to ice loading, and 12% of living trees lost at least half of their crown. In both sets of plots, epicormic branching within the crown led to crown rebuilding, resulting in high levels of tree survival and good post-storm diameter growth on all plots. Release of selected upper-canopy trees by the rehabilitation cutting significantly increased diameter growth rates compared to those in untreated areas. While some epicormics developed below the base of the original crown in both treated and untreated plots, they largely emanated at > 5.2 m from the ground and did not degrade the butt log of most trees.

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.

Survival and growth of understory trees in oak forests of the Hudson Highlands, New York

1981 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 689-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig G. Lorimer
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Average Growth Rate ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Red Oaks ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Understory Trees

Mortality and growth rates of trees in various crown classes and size classes were analyzed from 40-year permanent plot records of slope and ravine forest dominated by chestnut oak (Quercusprinus L.) and northern red oak (Quercusrubra L.). Average 5-year mortality rates for suppressed trees ≥2.5 cm dbh of chestnut oak and red oak in the slope forest were 26 and 45%, respectively. None of the suppressed red oaks survived the 40-year period, compared with 14% of the chestnut oaks and 33% of the red maples (Acerrubrum L.). Mortality of oak trees in the intermediate crown class was less than half that of suppressed trees, but still much higher than that of maples and birches on the tracts. Survival was reasonably high for oaks as long as the top of the crown was receiving direct sunlight, but the expected 40-year survival rate of red oaks in such a position is only 20%, with an average growth rate of 1.0 mm in diameter per year. Curves and equations expressing average mortality and growth rates at various levels of competition are presented for each species.

Forest age and management effects on epiphytic bryophyte communities in Adirondack northern hardwood forests, New York, U.S.A.

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1562-1576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory G McGee ◽  
Robin W Kimmerer
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Host Tree ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Host Tree Species

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of substrate heterogeneity on epiphytic bryophyte communities in northern hardwood forests of varying disturbance histories. Specifically, we compared bryophyte abundance (m2·ha–1) and community composition among partially cut; maturing, 90- to 100-year-old, even-aged; and old-growth northern hardwood stands in Adirondack Park, New York, U.S.A. Total bryophyte cover from 0 to 1.5 m above ground level on trees [Formula: see text]10 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) did not differ among the three stand types. However, bryophyte community composition differed among host tree species and among stand types. Communities in partially cut and maturing stands were dominated by xerophytic bryophytes (Platygyrium repens, Frullania eboracensis, Hypnum pallescens, Brachythecium reflexum, Ulota crispa), while old-growth stands contained a greater representation of calcicoles and mesophytic species (Brachythecium oxycladon, Anomodon rugelii, Porella platyphylloidea, Anomodon attenuatus, Leucodon brachypus, Neckera pennata). This mesophyte-calcicole assemblage occurred in all stand types but was limited by the abundance of large-diameter (>50 cm DBH), thick-barked, hardwood host trees (Acer saccharum Marsh., Tilia americana L., Fraxinus americana L.). This study suggested that epiphytic bryophyte diversity can be sustained and enhanced in managed northern hardwood forests by maintaining host tree species diversity and retaining large or old, thick-barked residual hardwood stems when applying even-aged and uneven-aged silviculture systems.

scholarly journals Effects of Initial Soil Properties on Three-Year Performance of Six Tree Species in Tropical Dry Forest Restoration Plantings

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Carrasco-Carballido ◽  
Cristina Martínez-Garza ◽  
Héctor Jiménez-Hernández ◽  
Flavio Márquez-Torres ◽  
Julio Campo
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Tropical Dry Forest ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Initial Soil ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Fast Growing Species

Deforestation of tropical dry forest reduces soil fertility, with negative effects on future restoration intervention. To evaluate the effect of initial soil properties on three-year performance of six tree species in restoration settings, we measured C, N, and P contents in topsoils of 48 plots under minimal (exclusions of livestock grazing) and maximal (plantings of six native species) restoration intervention during two years in tropical dry forest in central Mexico. Survival and height and diameter relative growth rates were evaluated by species and by growth rank (three fast- and three slow-growing species). After two years, organic C and the C:N ratio increased early during natural succession; these increases might be related to high density of N2-fixing recruits at both intervention levels. Changes in N availability for plants (i.e., NO3− and NH4+ contents) occurred after cattle exclusion. After 40 months, the fast-growing legume Leucaena esculenta (DC.) Benth. had the highest survival (65.55%) and relative growth rate in both height (3.16%) and diameter (5.67%). Fast-growing species had higher survival and diameter growth rates than slow-growing species. Higher diameter growth rates for fast-growing species may be associated with a higher ability to forage for soil resources, whereas similar height growth rates for slow and fast-growing species suggested low competition for light due to slow natural succession at the site. Planted seedlings had higher survival possibly due to initial high NO3− content in the soil. Also, fast-growing species seem to benefit from initially higher pH in the soil. Both soil properties (i.e., pH and NO3−) may be augmented to favor the performance of fast-growing species in restoration plantings and to further accelerate soil recovery in tropical dry forests.

Ice damage impacts on the health of the northern New York State forest

2001 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Manion ◽  
David H. Griffin ◽  
Benjamin D. Rubin
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York State ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Ice Storm ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Severe Damage ◽  
Crown Condition ◽  
White Pine ◽  
York State

Detailed crown condition information, including numbers of broken branches ≥ 5 cm diameter, broken tops, and healthy branches, were recorded for 5434 living trees > 9 cm dbh from 603 ten-basal-area-factor prism plots (three per forest stand) at 201 random points (stands) throughout the ice damage region of northern New York State. Twenty five percent of the sample stands had ≥ 20% branch breakage. Bigtooth aspen, red oak, red maple, and white pine had the most breakage. Comparison of potential mortality of trees associated with ≥ 75% ice damage (severe damage) to baseline (predicted) mortality to maintain the existing forest structure suggests that ice damage may alter the health of 18% of the forest stands but this is not sufficient to alter the health (sustainability) of the larger forest system. Key words: ice storm, forest health, sustainability, growth, mortality, dbh classes

scholarly journals Diameter Growth in Even- and Uneven-Aged Northern Hardwoods in New Hampshire Under Partial Cutting

2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
William B. Leak
Keyword(s):  
New Hampshire ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Increment Core ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
Understory Trees ◽  
Baseline Diameter

Abstract One important concern in the conversion of even-aged stands to an uneven-aged condition through individual-tree or small-group cutting is the growth response throughout the diameter-class distribution, especially of the understory trees. Increment-core sampling of an older, uneven-aged northern hardwood stand in New Hampshire under management for about 50 years established the baseline diameter-growth responses of the sapling, pole, and sawtimber strata. Growth responses of the poletimber and sawtimber in a 70-year-old even-aged stand were comparable to the uneven-aged stand after an initial partial cutting treatment; growth of the understory began approaching comparable rates after the second entry about 25 years after the first cut. North. J. Appl. For. 21(3):160–163.

scholarly journals Interference to Hardwood Regeneration in Northeastern North America: Assessing and Countering Ferns in Northern Hardwood Forests

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Engelman ◽  
Ralph D. Nyland
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northeastern North America ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Survival And Development ◽  
Further Development

Abstract The extremely dense shade cast by spreading ferns, particularly hayscented, New York, and bracken ferns, interferes with the survival and development of tree seedlings in northern hardwood forests. Excessive bracken frond litter and hayscented fern root mats can also prevent adequate germination and seedling development. In addition, the herbaceous cover may harbor detrimental small herbivores, while large ones often preferentially browse seedlings that grow through this layer. Increased understory light levels after an overstory disturbance, abundant soil moisture, fire, and herbivory promote ferns, whereas excessive and repeated cold or drought deter fern development and propagation. The most promising control methods repress ferns until seedlings cast adequate shade to inhibit further development of the fern layer. When ferns cover more than 30% of the understory, well-timed applications of either glyphosate or sulfometuron methyl have successfully controlled hayscented, New York, and bracken ferns. Two carefully timed mowings annually for at least 2 years have also provided long-lasting control on level, accessible sites. Deer populations must be reduced where browsing prevents development of desirable plants.

Size dependent associations between tree diameter growth rates and functional traits in an Asian tropical seasonal rainforest

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Yu-Mei Yan ◽  
Ze-Xin Fan ◽  
Pei-Li Fu ◽  
Hui Chen ◽  
Lu-Xiang Lin
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Ontogenetic Shifts ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Size Dependent ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Leaf Economic Spectrum

Many studies focus on the relationships between plant functional traits and tree growth performances. However, little is known about the ontogenetic shifts of the relationships between functional traits and tree growth. This study examined associations between stem and leaf functional traits and growth rates and their ontogenetic shifts across 20 tropical tree species in a tropical seasonal rainforest in Xishuangbanna, south-west China. For each species, physiological active branches of individual trees belonged to three size classes (i.e. small, diameter at breast height (DBH) 5–10 cm; middle, DBH 10–20 cm; big, DBH >20 cm) were sampled respectively. We measured 18 morphological and structural traits, which characterised plant hydraulic properties or leaf economic spectrum. Associations between diameter growth rates and functional traits were analysed across three size classes. Our results revealed that diameter growth rates of big-sized trees were mainly related to traits related to plant hydraulic efficiency (i.e. theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Ktheo) and leaf vein density (Dvein)), which suggests that the growth of large trees is limited mainly by their xylem water transport capacity. For middle-sized trees, growth rates were significantly related to traits representing leaf economic spectrum (i.e. specific leaf area (SLA), individual leaf mass (ILM), palisade thickness (PT) and spongy thickness (SP)). Diameter growth rates of small-sized trees were not correlated with hydraulic or leaf economic traits. Thus, the associations between tree growth rates and functional traits are size dependent. Our results suggest ontogenetic shift of functional traits which could potential contribute to different growth response to climate change.

Crown stratification by species in even-aged mixed stands of Douglas-fir – western hemlock

1979 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Wierman ◽  
Chadwick Dearing Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Species Differences ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Vertical Stratification ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Interaction Patterns ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Study Management

The pattern of vertical stratification in mixed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) stands was documented by observing tree interaction patterns on temporary plots in stands between 35 and 80 years old. It was found that Douglas-fir predictably dominated the hemlock. Several possible causes of the stratification were studied. They were differences in ages between species, differences in mortality patterns, and differences in growth rates. Increment borings of trees on sample plots in the 35- to 80-year stands with the observed stratification revealed the overtopping Douglas-firs and suppressed hemlocks to be essentially of the same age. Searches for dead or dying Douglas-fir in groups of mixed stands of 35 to 80 years, 22 to 35 years, and less than 12 years revealed very little Douglas-fir mortality by suppression. Therefore, the possibility of death of intermediate and suppressed Douglas-firs was not an important factor leading to Douglas-firs being found primarily in the upper crown positions. Height and diameter growth patterns of closely growing codominant Douglas-firs, co-dominant hemlocks, and suppressed hemlocks were documented by stem analyses. Douglas-fir became significantly taller than the hemlocks after about 20 years and suppressed competing hemlocks. The possibility of stratification in mixed planted stands is less certain, since only young planted stands were available for study. Management of such mixed stands appears to improve the yield and quantity of wood and reduce or eliminate costly precommercial thinnings.

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