TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION AND OAK COMPETITIVE STATUS IN UPLAND
HARDWOOD STANDS APPROACHING MID-ROTATION IN SOUTHERN
ILLINOIS
AN ABSTRACT OF THE RESEARCH PAPER OF
Michael A. Long, for the Masters of Science degree in Forestry, presented on March 30,
2007, at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
TITLE: Tree species composition and oak competitive status in even-aged upland
hardwood stands approaching mid-rotation in southern Illinois
MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. John W. Groninger
Quercus (oak) species are important primary producers of the Central Hardwoods
Region. They are one of the most valuable timber species in the region and support a
wide variety of wildlife species. Clear-cutting has been the preferred silvicultural
technique throughout the 1900’s when trying to regenerate the oak species. Recently,
oak regeneration failures have been well documented across the Central Hardwood
Region. Main factors include the absence of fire and increased stocking levels of nonoak
species in forest understories. In 2006, inventories were conducted in 74 upland
hardwood stands that were clear cut on the Shawnee National Forest between 1980 and
1990. Stated objectives for the clear-cuts were to regenerate the stand to desirable upland
hardwoods such as white and red oak, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Fraxinus americana.
The study was conducted to determine the effects of landscape position and
physiographic region had on tree distribution and oak crop tree competitive status.
Oaks decreased from 55% pre-harvest volume to 16% post-harvest density across
all study sites. Oaks were limited to exposed, dry landscape positions. Oak competitive
status was similar across all landscape positions. Mesophytic competitors were widely
distributed across the landscape, including Prunus serotina, Acer saccharum and
Liriodendron tulipifera. Liriodendron tulipifera has emerged as the most serious
competitor to oak species. Liriodendron tulipifera represented 14% of the total density,
and 29% of the total basal area across all study sites.
Intermediate treatments can be used to improve the competitive status and
development of oak species where regeneration rates are insufficient. Crop tree release
and thinning by basal area control have been proven to increase diameter and height
growth and improve the development of live crown ratio of oak species. Treatments need
to be implemented as early as possible in mid-rotation stands in order to take full
advantage of the benefits.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Timber Stand Improvement
A Timber Stand Improvement, or TSI, is a forest management technique that involves thinning the forest with chainsaws. Our TSI projects are conducted to meet landowner objectives and to be silviculturally sustainable. Long Forestry performs a high quality timber stand improvement that provides better aesthetics and additional benefits to wildlife and the forest. We cut all stumps to within inches of the ground and we do not leave waist high stumps or angled stumps that could puncture a skidder or ATV tire. This technique also allows for the development of desirable stump sprouts and provides our client with visually pleasing forests. Prior to any TSI, Long Forestry inspects for invasive species, providing additional protection to the landowner.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spring Tree Planting - When, Where, and What
Planting a tree can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience for southern Illinois residents. Urban trees provide plenty of benefits, including shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air, beauty, wind protection, and added value to properties. However, a tree planted in the wrong place can cause many problems. These problems can be expensive and hazardous, and can range from power outages to collapsed foundations.
Before planting a tree, a homeowner must first consider the type of tree to be planted. The type of tree will determine where it can be planted, depending on the trees growth rate, potential height growth, and sunlight requirements. For example, a white oak would need to be planted in partial to full sun in order to be able to grow healthy and straight. It would also have to be planted at least 50 feet away from any overhead structures, such as power lines, because of the 90 feet of height a white oak can attain. Tall trees should also be planted at least 15 feet from any structures on the property to prevent foundation problems. It will also make pruning and removal of limbs in the future easier and less expensive. Finally, newly established trees of any size should be planted 35 feet from street intersections. This will maintain visibility and community safety.
Smaller trees can be planted if space and light are limited. These trees include native trees such as eastern red bud or flowering dogwood. They can be planted much closer to structures due to their small stature, and can be planted in the shade since they require less sunlight than other tree species. These are also some of the few tree species that can be planted close to overhead structures due to their limited height growth.
Recommended trees to avoid planting in urban areas are silver maple, box elder, locust, tree-of-heaven, catalpa, willow, and elm. These trees are either susceptible to insect and disease or have poor structural stability.
When the type of tree to be planted and its location are decided, it is time to plant. Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant a new yard tree. Because the tree is dormant during this time frame, it experiences little stress from the planting activity. The newly planted tree will have to be watered at least every other day for a 2 week period. Once the roots become established, watering is extended to one inch of water every week for the rest of the summer. The following year, the tree should be watered consistently, especially if dry weather is a problem. Mulching the tree, 2 to 4 inches deep, 3 feet around the stem, will also help control competition from grass and weeds and will help retain water.
Once a tree is planted, consistent care and maintenance will help with the development and health of the tree. Contact a local arborist for advice on how to care for your tree early in development.
By Mike Long – Arborist/Forester
Long Forestry/Lumberjack Tree Care
Before planting a tree, a homeowner must first consider the type of tree to be planted. The type of tree will determine where it can be planted, depending on the trees growth rate, potential height growth, and sunlight requirements. For example, a white oak would need to be planted in partial to full sun in order to be able to grow healthy and straight. It would also have to be planted at least 50 feet away from any overhead structures, such as power lines, because of the 90 feet of height a white oak can attain. Tall trees should also be planted at least 15 feet from any structures on the property to prevent foundation problems. It will also make pruning and removal of limbs in the future easier and less expensive. Finally, newly established trees of any size should be planted 35 feet from street intersections. This will maintain visibility and community safety.
Smaller trees can be planted if space and light are limited. These trees include native trees such as eastern red bud or flowering dogwood. They can be planted much closer to structures due to their small stature, and can be planted in the shade since they require less sunlight than other tree species. These are also some of the few tree species that can be planted close to overhead structures due to their limited height growth.
Recommended trees to avoid planting in urban areas are silver maple, box elder, locust, tree-of-heaven, catalpa, willow, and elm. These trees are either susceptible to insect and disease or have poor structural stability.
When the type of tree to be planted and its location are decided, it is time to plant. Late fall to early spring is the best time to plant a new yard tree. Because the tree is dormant during this time frame, it experiences little stress from the planting activity. The newly planted tree will have to be watered at least every other day for a 2 week period. Once the roots become established, watering is extended to one inch of water every week for the rest of the summer. The following year, the tree should be watered consistently, especially if dry weather is a problem. Mulching the tree, 2 to 4 inches deep, 3 feet around the stem, will also help control competition from grass and weeds and will help retain water.
Once a tree is planted, consistent care and maintenance will help with the development and health of the tree. Contact a local arborist for advice on how to care for your tree early in development.
By Mike Long – Arborist/Forester
Long Forestry/Lumberjack Tree Care
Monday, March 31, 2008
Never Top Your Trees!!
Topping a tree is not a recommended or healthy prunning technique for a tree. Our urban forests need to be protected from harmful prunning techniques and from arborists who will commit ethical violations to collect payment from an uniformed customer. Tree topping will cause our urban forests be full of rotted tree tops and dying trees with broken limbs that will endanger those on the ground. Promote a healthy tree with proper preventative prunning techniques and use trustworthy and professional arborists.
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