50 THE SEED TREE METHOD 



and treatment of the soil are the measures by which the germi- 

 nation of seeds and development of young reproduction may 

 be influenced. For details see page 29, under the Clear- 

 cutting Method. 



The scattered seed trees assist in conserving surface moist- 

 ure, and in protecting reproduction from injury by frost. 



When enough seedlings to make a full stand have become 

 established, the purpose for which the seed trees were left is 

 accomplished. If it will pay financially the seed trees can 

 now be removed leaving the new stand to develop unham- 

 pered. A portion of the reproduction will be destroyed in 

 this cutting but not enough to seriously affect the new stand. 

 Where a second cutting of this character is not feasible the 

 seed trees are allowed to grow. Some few may live to be cut 

 when the new crop is harvested and furnish material of 

 exceptional size and quality. Most of them will succumb 

 to the ravages of insects or fungi. Trees grown through life 

 in a closed stand and then suddenly placed in an exposed 

 position as seed trees suffer through changed site conditions 

 and are apt to be weakened, suffer sun scald or become stag- 

 headed and are susceptible to insect and fungi attacks. 



The seedlings may start immediately after the first cutting 

 or not for several years, depending on the occurrence of a seed 

 year. If enough seedlings do not appear within five years it is 

 unlikely that reproduction can be secured by natural means. 

 Certainly not unless the expenditures for preparation of the 

 site are repeated. The blanks should be filled by planting. 



Modifications of the Method. Group Seed Tree Method. 

 One of the common variations is to leave the seed trees in 

 groups instead of scattered singly over the area. The pur- 

 pose of so doing is to minimize the danger of the seed trees 

 being wind thrown or broken. It is based on the theory that 

 a group of trees standing together will stand unharmed against 



