Effects of Tree Shelters on Northern Red Oak Seedlings Planted in Harvested Forest Openings

Abstract

Planting has been considered to be one solution to the problem of inadequate natural oak regeneration following harvesting in the Central Hardwood Region. Two types of tree shelters were used in two separate 3-year studies to determine their effects on the growth and survival of northern red oak seedlings planted in recently harvested forest openings, and to characterize shelter influence on microenvironmental factors. Sheltered seedlings planted in both trials exhibited significantly greater 3-year height growth as compared to the controls. There were no significant differences in survival rates. Relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentrations were increased significantly inside both types of shelters, while there were no differences between shelter exterior and interior daytime temperatures. Interior light intensities differed for the two shelter types and varied according to vertical location within shelters. Recommendations are given for using tree shelters as a possible means for improving oak planting success in recently harvested forest openings. North. J. Appl. For. 9(2):58-63.

Post‐Planting Treatments Increase Growth of Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana Dougl. ex Hook.) Seedlings

“…As with other oak species (e.g., Minter et al 1992; Mayhead & Boothman 1997; Sharpe et al 1999; Quilhó et al 2003), Oregon white oak responded to solid‐walled tree shelters with greater height growth but no difference in basal area growth relative to no shelter or mesh shelters. Furthermore, the effect on height growth increased over time in all the shelter trials, except the VS trial.…”

“…A variety of post‐planting treatments including tree shelters, mulching, fertilization, and irrigation have been tested on oak species other than Oregon white oak. Solid‐walled tree shelters reduce animal damage to oak seedlings, create a warmer, more humid microclimate (Potter 1988; Burger et al 1992; Peterson et al 1995), and have increased growth rates of many oak species (Tuley 1985; Minter et al 1992; West et al 1999; Dubois et al 2000; Taylor & Golden 2002). Mulching around planted seedlings limits growth of vegetative competition through physical impedance and light reduction (Teasdale & Mohler 2000) and may increase soil water availability (McDonald & Helgerson 1990; Truax & Gagnon 1993).…”

Five-year survival and growth of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L) seedlings in upland hardwood stands in south central Iowa

“…This increase in height growth is due to improved micro-environments with in the shelters (Lantange, et al, 1990;Zastrow and Marty, 1991). Minter, et al, (1992) found that micro-environments with in shelters had increased levels of CO2 and relative hiunidity, which reduced plant transpiration losses.…”

“…The British findings have prompted further research on the application and effects of tree shelters in the United States. Lantagne, et al (1990), Zastrow and Marty (1991), and Minter, et al (1992) have studied the effect of tree shelters on Quercus rubra seedlings planted in harvested forest openings. Lantange, et al (1990) concluded that tree shelters used in a Michigan clearcut promoted height growth by improving micro-environments of Quercus rubra seedlings and reallocating growth fi-om branches and stem diameter to shoot elongation for sheltered seedlings.…”

“…Zastrow and Marty (1991) concluded that tree shelters promoted height growth and survival by improving microenvironments of Quercus rubra seedlings. Minter, et al (1992) concluded that tree shelters promote increased height growth by increasing relative humidity, reducing plant transpiration losses, and increasing levels of 002-This height growth comes at the expense of diameter growth. Johnson, et al (1989) have shown that clearcutting with herbicide control of competition may be the key to regenerating Quercus rubra in southwestern Wiscoixsin.…”