The Impact of Environment and Nursery on Survival and Early Growth of Douglas-fir, Noble Fir, and White Pine--A Case Study

Abstract

Abstract Survival and third-year height were examined on 2,383 reforestation units from 1983 to 1994 to determine which factors impact reforestation success. Survival of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) varied by as much as 20% from year to year. The most significant factor affecting reforestation success was the nursery that provided the seedlings. Nursery impacted both survival and height of Douglas-fir and impacted height for noble fir (Abies procera) and white pine (Pinus monticola). No nursery was best for all species. Other factors that were important for all three species were the administrative unit where the seedlings were planted, initial plant height, aspect, and length of storage prior to planting. Other significant factors that were important for Douglas-fir were seed origin, planting month, protection, stock type, and aspect. For noble fir, other important factors were planting month and stock type; for white pine, the other important factor was slope. Elevation of the seed source and the planting unit affected Douglas-fir survival and height but did not affect the other two species. This supports the smaller elevational bands for Douglas-fir compared with noble fir and white pine. West. J. Appl. For. 13(4):137-143.