Seed Tree Harvest

Definition

Treatment used to modify stocking, species composition and vertical structure of stand and create crown space to favour natural regeneration establishment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Selected stands must contain at least 20 m²/ha of desired species (eastern hemlock, red spruce, white spruce, black spruce, white pine, white ash, red oak, yellow birch, sugar maple, red maple)
• Remaining stand: minimum average 30% live crown ratio
• >75% of stand is pole stage or older
• Stands normally well rooted and wind firm with little existing wind throw (unless managed primarily for acceleration of height growth of tolerant planted seedlings)
• Harvest goal: create vertical structure and provide seed source of desired species to encourage establishment of natural regeneration

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

• Residual stand: average minimum basal area of 8 m² or greater
• Residual trees appear wind firm
• Initial cuts (and residual seed trees) distributed as uniformly as possible throughout stand
• When completing in single pass: advanced regeneration live crown ratio at least 50%, stocking at full planting level or above for desirable species present. Canopy tree retention wind firm; density can be adjusted depending on ideal light conditions for regeneration. Machine strips wide enough for machine to travel and pile wood (so processed wood not left damaging regeneration in strips). Leave strip width varies based on equipment reach
• Minimize damage to residual stand; damage = broken limbs and/or bark damage exposing >10 cm² sap wood per tree
• Harvesting and extraction should not be carried out in conditions resulting in rutting or damage to residual trees