DETAILS OF THE METHOD 49 



trees will be cut in a few years or remain also affect the num- 

 ber which can properly be left. From one to ten seed trees 

 per acre may be regarded as the usual range. 



If more than ten are left the crown spread of the seed trees 

 occupies a considerable part of the area and the method 

 begins to resemble shelterwood. At the other extreme a 

 species is rarely found capable of disseminating the seed and 

 thoroughly restocking an area if less than one seed tree per 

 acre be retained. 



When a species is dioecious, it will be necessary to provide 

 for the leaving both of female and male trees. The cotton- 

 wood (populus deltoides) furnishes an example. In reproduc- 

 ing this species under the scattered seed tree method it is 

 advised that one female tree be left to every acre and one 

 male tree to every four acres. 3 



In order to secure adequate reproduction on all parts of the 

 area uniform distribution of the seed trees should be attempted. 

 It is more important to select the proper individuals to serve 

 as seed trees than to attain an absolutely even spacing. Where 

 the topography is uneven it will generally be best to leave a 

 majority of the trees on the higher ground, from which vantage 

 points they can scatter seed over the lower areas. 



Destruction of the seed by rodents may be a serious factor. 4 

 Where the supply is restricted to a few seed trees per acre the 

 rodents may take the entire crop. 



Just as in the case of the clearcutting method provision for 

 an abundant seed supply is not sufficient; for in addition, 

 favorable conditions for germination and early growth of 

 seedlings must be established and maintained for a few years. 

 Failure to apply the scattered seed tree method successfully 

 may often be traced to neglect of this requirement. 4 



Disposal of the brush left by the lumbermen, removal of 

 weeds, vines, shrubs and reproduction of undesired species 



