What can be done to regenerate oaks?
Creating or regenerating new forests of oaks after the harvest of an existing oak forest is a little more difficult than the natural regeneration of some other species. Many existing oak forests were encouraged by regular wildfires that killed competing species. High deer populations have resulted in heavy browsing of young oaks in the forest, allowing other less preferred species to take over. One common forest management technique used to encourage the growth of young oaks is called the shelterwood method. This method involves a gradual removal of mature trees in a woodlot in two or three stages. The slower canopy removal allows sunlight to stimulate the growth of new acorns and existing sprouts, until sufficient numbers exist to form a new forest. New seedlings can be protected from deer by distributing slash to protect new seedlings, fencing, or by reducing the deer population. For more information on the shelterwood method, visit iaa.umd.edu/mfa/ee14.htm.
Creating or regenerating new forests of oaks after the harvest of an existing oak forest is a little more difficult than the natural regeneration of some other species. Many existing oak forests were encouraged by regular wildfires that killed competing species. High deer populations have resulted in heavy browsing of young oaks in the forest, allowing other less preferred species to take over. One common forest management technique used to encourage the growth of young oaks is called the shelterwood method. This method involves a gradual removal of mature trees in a woodlot in two or three stages. The slower canopy removal allows sunlight to stimulate the growth of new acorns and existing sprouts, until sufficient numbers exist to form a new forest. New seedlings can be protected from deer by distributing slash to protect new seedlings, fencing, or by reducing the deer population.
