Shelterwood cutting

A shelterwood establishment cut in an eastern white pine stand in Maine.

Shelterwood cutting removes part of the old forest stand to allow for a natural establishment of seedlings under the cover of the remaining trees.[1] Initial cuttings give just enough light to allow for the regeneration of desired species. Subsequent cuttings give the new seedlings more light and fully pass the growing space to the new generation.[2][3] Shelterwood systems have many variations and can be adapted to site conditions and the goals of the landowner.[4] There are concerns associated with this silvicultural system due to windthrow and high costs as well as advantages due to improved aesthetics and cost savings from natural regeneration.[1][3]

  1. ^ a b Schönenberger, W.; Brang, P. (2004-01-01), Burley, Jeffery (ed.), "SITE-SPECIFIC SILVICULTURE | Silviculture in Mountain Forests", Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences, Oxford: Elsevier, pp. 1085–1094, ISBN 978-0-12-145160-8, retrieved 2024-02-24
  2. ^ Welford, Lana; Williams, Allie (2016). "3.4. Regeneration Methods: Shelterwood". SFA Silviculture. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  3. ^ a b "Module 2: Harvesting Systems | Natural Resources and Renewables | Government of Nova Scotia". Government of Nova Scotia. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  4. ^ "What Is a Silvicultural System?" (PDF). United States Department of Agriculture. December 2016. Retrieved 2024-02-24.