Suggestions for the Management of Northern Hardwood Stands in the Northeast

Abstract The value of the northern hardwood forests is being emphasized by the greatly increased demand for their products caused by the war. As an assistance in directing their management along sound lines the author presents the results of certain experiments and observations dealing with the establishment and development of a new stand following different degrees of cutting in old growth in the Northeast. On the basis of these facts he recommends (1) complete clear-cutting of areas where mature or overmature trees make up most of the stand; (2) the restriction of clear-cutting to groups of inferior trees in stands containing a large proportion of promising trees; and (3) partial cutting of scattered individuals or small groups of trees in old-growth stands which have previously been opened up to such an extent that immature even-aged groups have taken over any considerable part of the area. Mowing and weeding of young stands are regarded as of questionable economic value. Thinning may prove worth while, particularly if the products are salable, and should be undertaken prior to or at about the time when the potentially valuable trees show a decline in growth tale.