Residual Stand Structure and Topography Predict Initial Survival and Animal Browsing of Redwood and Douglas-Fir Seedlings Planted in Coastal Forests of Northern California

• DOI: 10.3390/su152316409
• Publication Date: 2023-11-29T14:00:18Z
• Authors: Kurt A. Schneider; John-Pascal Berrill; Christa M. Dagley; Lynn A. Webb; Aaron Hohl
• Keywords: Understory; Sequoia; Silviculture; Afforestation; Acorn; Douglas fir

Successful regeneration of commercial species is central to the long-term sustainability forests managed for wood production. We studied two tree seedlings planted after group selection and single-tree harvesting in a 20 ha replicated silviculture experiment stands dominated by coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl.). Treatments consisted complete harvest 1 opening (GS), low-density dispersed retention (LD), aggregated high-density (HA), (HD). One year planting, on southwest aspect had lowest survival rate, while northeast aspects nearly rates. As expected, higher rate than Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var (Mirb.) Franco). Survival rates exhibited rise-peak-fall pattern with stand density, most notably southwest-facing slopes, ranking LD > HA ≈ HD GS treatments. Deer browsing was pervasive problem where were preferentially browsed over redwood. In treatments densities, less likely, Further from watercourses at elevation, probability diminished. Overall, outperformed simultaneously maximizing minimizing seedlings. did not perform site preparation or herbicide treatment re-sprouting hardwoods following harvest, therefore recommend testing effectiveness understory vegetation management enhance seedling survival. Consideration could also be given planting more anticipation lower rates, and/or implementing protection measures when heavy expected.