CHAPTER V 

 THE SHELTERWOOD METHOD 



Definition. — The principle of the shelterwood method in- 

 volves the removal of the stand by a series of partial cuttings, 

 resembling thinnings, that remove the entire stand within a 

 period of years which is a small fraction of the rotation age. 

 Natural reproduction starts under the protection of the older 

 stand and is finally released from this shade and protection 

 when able to endure the exposure. It is a logical further de- 

 velopment of the seed tree method retaining large numbers of 

 seed trees instead of a few. 



The terms "stand" and ''compartment" method have been 

 used to describe the shelterwood method. 



Form of Forest Produced. — The shelterwood method is 

 best applied in evenaged stands, though it can be used in 

 those of irregular form where merchantable age classes pre- 

 dominate. It produces an evenaged stand, thus resembling 

 the clearcutting and seed tree methods. In some cases the 

 reproduction cuttings may extend (when the rotation is long) 

 over a period of forty to fifty years, which tends to create a 

 wider range in the ages of the individual trees than occurs in 

 the other two methods. Even with a long regeneration period 

 the stand still remains essentially evenaged in character. 



Details of the Method. — When using the shelterwood 

 method, as its name implies, reproduction is secured under 

 the shelter of a portion of the old stand. Besides furnishing 

 the seed the old stand affords protection to the young seed- 

 lings. A time finally comes when this shelter instead of being 



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