The effects of initial tree spacing on the fibre properties of plantation-grown coastal western hemlock

Fundamental wood and fibre properties determine end product quality potential. They are affected by silvicultural practices. Initial stand stocking density has significant economic implications for both forest managers and industrial end users. An evaluation of the wood density and fibre properties of 38-year-old coastal western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) planted at five different spacings was completed. We determined that the wood density was not affected by spacing. At the widest spacing, the outer wood fibre length was significantly shorter than at the four tighter spacings. Fibre coarseness and cell wall properties were similar at all spacings. This implies that wood chips prepared from a range of small-diameter thinnings material will not adversely affect kraft pulp fibre properties.