CLEANING (AND FREEING) YOUNG STANDS 



107 



sapling at one clearance and a different one at another [94]. A shade- 

 enduring species such as beech, of course, does not require freeing to 

 the same extent as does a light-demanding species such as oak [134]. 

 Even the maritime pine, which is a rapidly growing species and a prolific 

 seeder, requires assistance against the genista, with which it is often 

 in mixture [154], Scotch pine, until it has developed above the heather, 

 must always be assisted [162]. The young spruce does not resist shrubs 

 even as well as the fir, and notwithstanding its rapid growth at the 

 start it may often remain dominated by weeds unless cleanings are 

 practiced [200]. In coppice-under-standards, it is particularly essential to 

 protect the best species and the best seedlings or sprouts against competition 

 with inferior species and weeds [243]. In conversion [254] cleanings are also 

 essential. 



One of the most important objects in freeing desirable species is 

 to give them the preference over less desired species which may be 

 more rapidly growing during youth. For example, in a mixed birch 

 and Scotch pine stand, the birch might damage the Scotch pine, which 

 is the more valuable, unless assistance were given it. 



According to Schaeffer cleanings in regular high forest should first of 

 all destroy the weed trees, briars, and weeds which develop on rich 

 soils, so as to conserve light, water, and food for the future commercial 

 stand. But he cautions all foresters against the unnecessary cleaning 

 of light-foliaged, short-lived trees that will do no material damage to 

 the valuable species. He favors the Bagneris method of only topping 

 competing unmerchantable weed trees instead of cutting them off at the 

 stump. This method, which prevents sprouting, and though cheaper, it 

 must be recognized, means more work because it must be done oftener; 

 it should rarely be applied in the United States. The best time to clean 

 out weeds from young growth is in the late summer or autumn; but for 

 cleanings in stands the spring is best because, if too heavy, the stand 

 has time to recover before snows. In fir the period is less important, but 

 the winter is best. 



In selection forests the procedure is somewhat different. There are 

 two schools; one believes that the ground cannot be too densely covered, 

 while the other, led by Gurnaud, believes in periodic cleanings in the 

 understory. Probably the theory of at least partial cleanings in selection 

 forests is correct, but care must be taken to study the soil conditions. 

 Some soils may need every shrub or weed as a protective cover. But 

 since most selection forests are in the mountains, moderate cleanings 

 are usually advisable at the time of felling the saw timber. This 

 cleaning removes small trees damaged by exploitation, weed trees, 

 holly, and even beech which is not required for soil cover in the moun- 

 tains. 



