Natural Regeneration
The aim is to regenerate the stand (partly) by encouraging natural regeneration.
About this Stand
Stable stand
This stand of Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Larch was planted in 1971. This area has been thinned several times in the past. Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir have grown into large diameters. The trees have also developed large crowns indicating that the stand is very stable. The bigger the crown of a tree, the bigger the root.
Regeneration
Small gaps in the canopy offer sufficient light levels for natural regeneration. Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Norway Spruce (from the stand nearby) will start to regenerate in these gaps (as you can see). These tree species can grow in the shade. Soil scarification will help the seedling germinate. We have cut several gaps into the canopy to establish more areas of natural regeneration. Some gaps will be under-planted with shade-tolerant broadleaves.