Title: Residual overstory density affects survival and growth of sheltered oak seedlings on the Allegheny Plateau

Author: Schuler, Thomas M.; Brose, Patrick; White, Robert L.

Year: 2005

Publication: Res. Pap. NE-728. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 9 p.

Abstract: When unplanned major disturbances affect desirable mixed-oak forests, both the amount of time and viable options available for influencing the composition of postdisturbance regeneration are reduced greatly. We evaluated the use of tree shelters to protect planted northern red oak seedlings following salvage logging that resulted in a range of residual stand densities. This practice was common on the Allegheny National Forest in the early 1990?s following widespread gypsy moth defoliation and subsequent mortality. A better understanding of this practice will enhance efforts to implement artificial regeneration of oak after unplanned major disturbance due to insects and diseases or factors such as storm damage.