Pre-commercial Softwood Thinning

Definition

Spacing of naturally regenerated sapling stands (2-6 m height) to achieve a softwood stand with minimum 15% hardwood and healthy, vigorous trees capable of accelerated growth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Residual tree species: Eastern larch, red spruce, white spruce, black spruce, eastern hemlock, red pine, white pine, balsam fir
• Initial stand density >4000 stems/ha required
• Dominant stand height: 2-6 m

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

• Post-treatment density: 1800-3000 stems/ha, uniformly distributed
• Residual crop trees: minimum 40% live crown, good health and form
• Untreated areas up to 10% of total area may be left in original condition
• Trees with large crowns interfering with quality trees may be girdled to create wildlife tree
• Felled trees laid as close to ground as possible