26 THE CLEARCUTTING ]\IETHOD 



planting.* Usually the artificial regeneration is accomplished 

 soon after the clearcutting. The cleared area is likely to 

 become stocked with grass, weeds, underbrush or undesirable 

 trees which may prevent or render expensive the process of 

 artificial reproduction. In exceptional cases it may be of ad- 

 vantage to defer seeding or planting for one or more years. 

 For example, this may be advisable when it is desired to allow 

 time for a thick humus to decompose, or when injuries to the 

 new stand by insects breeding in stumps or tops can be avoided 

 by delay. 



Lumber, logs and cordwood should be removed from the 

 area before it is regenerated in order to prevent damage to 

 the young plants. 



A clearcutting results in a large accumulation of tree tops 

 and other logging debris. This may be so abundant as to 

 interfere mechanically with the seeding or planting operations 

 or constitute a serious fire hazard. If so this material should 

 either be piled and burned or burned broadcast. See chapter 

 relating to Slash Disposal. 



Heavy underbrush may have to be disposed of in a similar 

 manner. 



As the young reproduction develops it will on many sites 

 be overtopped by inferior trees and other vegetation. The 

 proper treatment of the young stand under such circum- 

 stances is discussed in Chapter IX under Cleanings and Liber- 

 ation Cuttings. 



Clearcutting with Natural Reproduction. — The stand is cut 

 clear and reproduction springs up naturally on the clear area. 

 This reproduction to secure best results should start imme- 

 diately but frequently requires several years. The seed from 

 which the new stand originates comes from three sources: 



* For discussion of the details of seeding and planting see "Seeding and 

 Planting in the Practice of Forestry," by J. W. Tourney. 



