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INTRODUCTION
Historically broadleaf trees have been considered weeds when growing in conifer stands and have been removed from young stands to avoid the negative effects from competition. However, retention of some broadleaf trees in conifer stands is becoming a more accepted practice for a variety of reasons. The broadleaf component provides many biological advantages including enhancing soil properties and alleviating weather extremes on the understory conifers. It’s presence benefits wildlife and increases the biodiversity of a stand. Broadleaf trees can have economic value, although in the current market, broadleaf trees with commercial value are not common in the IDF.
Even when the above factors are not considered, removal of broadleaf trees from a stand can be expensive. Therefore brushing should only be done when necessary. Determining the need for brushing when the primary objective is growing a conifer crop is the focus of this research.
The growth strategies of both species, but especially the conifer, will affect the relationship between the conifer and the broadleaf trees. This study focuses on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and aspen (Populus tremuloides ) which are two shade intolerant species with rapid initial growth. Both mature early compared to other commercial species. This species mix will have different management strategies compared to a species mix like spruce and aspen as spruce is shade tolerant, has slow initial growth rates and can successfully grow in an understory position.
The information in this note can be used by silviculturists when considering
stand tending options and by foresters looking for options for increasing
biodiversity in young stands.
CONTACT
For more information contact Teresa Newsome at 250-398-4408 (Teresa.Newsome@gems8.gov.bc.ca).
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