18 



time produced a root system of its own which is now helping- to support 

 the six-inch tree. In this case the coppice is developing before the parent 

 tree has been cut. In Fig. 6 the coppice developed after cutting of the 

 parent tree. 



To obtain good tree growth of coppice after cutting certain consid- 

 erations must be given attention. 



Age of Parent Tree. Coppice from overmature trees will not pro- 

 duce strong growth, as the old root system has lost its vigor. Coppice 

 loses its vigor of growth by following the system too far, the third and 

 fourth generations becoming weak and decrepid. In many woodlots 

 dwarfed and stunted growth exists from the above causes. 



Fig. 8— Chestnut Coppice, five years old, in need of thinning. 



Time of Cutting. Coppice is best produced by cutting in late winter 

 or early spring. Late fall or early winter cutting often allows frost and 

 moisture to loosen the bark. The coppice shoots originate beneath this 

 outer bark and if it is destroyed there is small chance of shoots develop- 

 ing. 



Height of Stump. In cutting with a view of obtaining coppice, the 

 stump should be cut as closely to the ground as possible. It is desirable 

 to obtain resulting shoots as near the ground as possible. Coppice which 

 originates high up on the stump does not become vigorous. Frequently 

 we find trees in the woodlot with the base partly rotted and such trees 

 are often of coppice origin. In this case the shoots developed from a 



2a Bull. 155 



