Effect of logging wounds on diameter growth of sawlog-size Appalachian hardwood crop trees

Abstract

In previously thinned, even-aged Appalachian hardwood stands, 5-year diameter growth of 102 wounded and 102 unwounded codominant crop trees were compared. A wounded crop tre was defined as one with at least one exposed sapwood logging wound at least 100 inch2 in size. An unwounded crop tree of the same species and size was selected near each of the 102 wounded trees. Five-year diameter growth of wounded crop trees averaged 1.34 inches, while unwounded crop trees averaged 1.40 inches. Paired t-test showed no significant differences in 5-year diameter growth between wounded and unwounded crop trees.