Artificial Regeneration of Major Oak (Quercus) Species in the Eastern United States—A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Abstract Although natural regeneration is often the best method for establishing new oak (Quercus spp.) stands, there are increasingly more situations in which high potential for oak regeneration failure dictates the use of artificial regeneration including direct seeding and planting seedlings. Additionally, afforestation planting programs frequently incorporate oak species. Artificial regeneration of oak stands is challenging for numerous reasons. In this article we synthesize the current state of knowledge regarding growing and planting the major oak species in the eastern United States, point out critical research gaps, and provide some general growing, planting, and stand tending guidelines and recommendations. Adequate site preparation, careful planting of healthy, genetically adapted seed or seedlings of high morphological and physiological quality, and subsequent control of competing vegetation and browse damage are necessary actions to assure regeneration success. Oak seedling survival in the early years after planting or seeding is a poor indicator of regeneration success. Successful regeneration may be defined as having a desired proportion of the oak planting stock reach dominant/codominant status in the stand. The costs of all activities required to produce a successful oak tree in the future stand should be considered in economic comparison of alternative prescriptions for oak regeneration.