Regenerating Paper Birch in the Lake States with the Shelterwood Method

Abstract

Abstract The two-cut uniform shelterwood method provides abundant seed and shade needed to regenerate paper birch on droughty sites. The key to success is site preparation by cross-discing within 2 years after seed dispersal to (a) incorporate organic matter, particularly brown cubical woody rot, into the mineral soil, (b) to control competing vegetation, and (c) to drill seed into the seed bed. Drilled seed produces seedlings that grow 3 to 4 times faster than seedlings from seed dispersed after site preparation. Because a uniform shelterwood intercepts some precipitation, narrow shaded clearcut strips or strip shelterwoods may be even better for regenerating paper birch. North. J. Appl. For. 6:151-153, December 1989.