360 SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON TIMBER TREES 



the pedunculate Oak. The sessile Oak will also thrive at 

 higher elevations than the pedunculate Oak. 



Both trees are susceptible to late spring frosts ; but, as 

 they are amongst the latest trees to break into leaf, they 

 often escape damage, when other trees suffer. 



In this connection it should be remembered that the 

 sessile Oak is sometimes rather later in breaking into leaf 

 than the pedunculate Oak. 



Severe winter frost is harmful to these Oaks ; and much 

 damage is often done to the timber by frost cracks, a 

 bole often splitting all the way down. These trees will 

 succeed better on southern aspects than most other species ; 

 they have a deep root system, and are very storm-proof 

 trees. 



Cultivation, etc. Both trees are very light-demanding, 

 and both have a strong tendency to form large crowns, and 

 to develop and retain side branches. In this respect the 

 sessile variety is rather more tolerant of slight shade, and 

 does not possess such a strong tendency to form large 

 crowns, and it will usually grow with a longer bole than the 

 pedunculate variety. 



The foliage of the trees is not dense ; and pure crops, 

 when about 40-60 years of age, will fail to keep the surface- 

 soil clean, and the supply of moisture will be lessened. 



Only a very small proportion of the trees planted on any 

 area will ever develop into clean, quickly-growing trees, as 

 compared to crops of other species. Therefore, when grown 

 in high forest, it will usually be preferable to plant pure Oak, 

 at a distance of 3 feet apart each way, and then to under- 

 plant the crop when the canopy is getting broken at (say) 50 

 to 60 years of age. By this means, there will be a large 

 number of trees to choose from, as the whole crop left at 

 (say) 50 years, should consist of only strong, healthy, vigorous 

 trees. After about the /oth year, the crop should be partially 

 cleared at intervals. Close-canopied mature crops of Oak 

 are never profitable, with the timber selling at its present 

 price. The thinnings may usually be left to nature, till the 

 trees are about 20 feet high. The thinnings and partial 



