SILVICULTURE

“The art and science of reproducing and growing trees and forests in a sustainable

manner based on principles of forest ecology for the benefit of society.”

SILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS

A silvicultural system is a series of forestry practices using natural strategies designed to regenerate specific forest types according to

landowner objectives.Even-aged vs. Uneven-aged

Clearcutting

Shelterwood

Selection

Intermediate Treatments

Artificial Regeneration

NATURAL REGENERATION

SeedsSprouts Suckers Layering

Most of our forests are regenerated using natural strategies in silvicultural systems.

Planting is not necessary but can be successful

CLEARCUTTING

An even-aged system where all or nearly all of the trees are harvested

at one time.

Forest Types: Pines, Spruces, Oaks

Clearcut Seed-Tree

SHELTERWOODAn even-aged system where one or two cuts are used

prior to the final harvest. The first two cuts stimulate and establish advanced regeneration before the final

harvest cut.

Final Crop Should Be:

• Windfirm

• Good Seeders

• Undamaged by Logging

Uniform Group Strip

SELECTION

A selection harvest IS NOT a diameter-limit cut!

An uneven-aged system where trees of all sizes are harvested on a cycle of about 10-15 years.

Single-Tree Group

INTERMEDIATE TREATMENTS

Nearly any forestry practice not connected with regeneration or harvest can be

considered an intermediate treatment.

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)

Weeding, Cleaning, Sanitation Cutting

Protection

Pruning

TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT

TSI thinnings are intended to improve the quality of a timber stand. They can be commercial or

non-commercial.

Low Fork

CrookedCrowded

Unwanted Species

Before TSI

After TSI

ARTIFICIAL REGENERATION

We usually think only of the physical act of planting trees, but there is much more to consider in order to achieve success.

Species Selection

Site Selection

Site Preparation

Planting Methods

Competition Control

Direct Seeding

Underplanting

Classification of silvicultural systems

1. coppice systems2. high forest systems a) regeneration over whole forest which is uneven-aged

polycyclic or selection systems b) regeneration concentrated in one part of forest at any one

time

i) old crop removed in several fellings over years

shelterwood systems ii) old crop removed by a single felling monocyclic or

clear felling system

Intensive versus extensive systems

Intensive (monocyclic) systemscoppicecoppice with standardsclear felling(shelterwood)Extensive (polycyclic) systemsselectiongroup systems

Uniform shelterwood system

Group system