The Effects of Different Sizes of Tree Shelters on Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) Growth
Authors: McCreary D.D.; Tecklin J.1
Source: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 16, Number 4, 1 October 2001 , pp. 153-158(6)
Abstract:
Tree shelters have been used effectively in many locations to establish a wide range of tree species including oaks. However, their efficacy in Mediterranean climates like the hardwood rangelands of California has not been thoroughly tested. This study evaluated the field performance of blue oak (Quercus douglasii)-a species that is reported to be regenerating poorly in many locations in the state-protected by several sizes of tree shelters and compared response of directly sown acorns to that of 4-month-old transplants. After five growing seasons, seedlings in all sizes of tree shelters are larger than their unprotected counterparts. Tree shelters have been especially effective in promoting rapid height growth. However, regardless of tree shelter size, when seedlings grew above the tops of the shelters, average height growth diminished and diameter growth increased. Differences among stock types were relatively small, although transplants tended to perform better than directly sown acorns. These results suggest that tree shelters can greatly reduce the time required by seedlings to grow to a size where they are less vulnerable to browsing. As such, they appear to be a promising tool in efforts to regenerate blue oak in California. West. J. Appl. For. 16(4):153-158.Keywords: Blue oak; tree shelters; regeneration; California; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management
Document Type: Miscellaneous
Affiliations: 1: Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, 8279 Scott Forbes Road, Browns Valley, CA, 95918
