Density Management Flashcards
What is a “low thinning”
When trees with larger crowns that are intermediate or suppressed are removed during thinning.
What is a yield thinning ?
Thinning to recover mortality
What is release thinning?
Larger trees are targeted during thinning to release understory
What trees respond well to release?
True firs, cedar, larch, spruce
Must consider sun leaf capacity.
What are 2 ways to figure out how many stems you need to optimize MAI
Reinekes stand density index - don’t thin below 60% of SDI
SDMD
Mechanical vs selection thinning
Trees to be thinned are selected based on desired management values in selection thinning - common in naturally established second growth stands.
Mechanical thinning is less selective. Takes out trees in rows. Common in uniform plantations.
What stands will respond the most to spacing treatments?
Early seral, second growth stands
Why thin?
Capture mortality
Increase MAI
Forest Health Concerns (sanitization)
What is the most obvious indicator of stand performance
Crown
Thinning must always consider this key aspect…
Financial return at harvest
Operational considerations when spacing or thinning
- Mark trees to leave (all 4 sides at ground level)
- always cut trees below the lowest live branch
- ensure stumps are flat… (Injuries)
