36 ENGLISH WOODLANDS 



should have as far as possible the exact amount 

 of proper density, namely, the density should 

 be so close as to encourage upward growth, and 

 yet not so close as to stop diameter growth. 

 The roots must have room enough to spread so 

 that they can withstand the wind. The crowns 

 must have light enough to be vigorous. All 

 trees injurious to others of more value than 

 themselves should be removed. Suppressed trees 

 need not be removed if they do no harm, and 

 in some cases they may be useful by preventing 

 the undue side growth of a vigorous tree, or by 

 helping to keep the wind out of the plantation. 

 The density should be reduced to the point that 

 the upward growth is not so much exaggerated 

 that the trees become weak and lanky. Healthy 

 and vigorous crowns will endure without injury 

 a considerable crowding of their boughs. 



Two courses of management are available 

 when the trees are approaching the end of the 

 upward growth. If the trees show that they 

 are not vigorous, and the poverty of the soil 

 or the exposure of the situation indicate that 

 really fine timber cannot be reasonably expected, 

 the best financial result may be obtained by the 

 omission of any further thinning and a sale of 

 the timber when height-growth finally ceases. 



