CHAPTER Vn 



THE COPPICE METHOD 



Definition. — A coppice forest is one composed wholly or 

 mainly of sprouts and the coppice method of reproduction 

 acomplishes the renewal of the forest principally by sprouts, 

 although usually with a mixture of seedlings. The stand is 

 cut clear and reproduction starts immediately by sprouts 

 from the stumps or roots of the old stand and by scattered 

 seedlings on the ground at the time of cutting. 



The method is sometimes spoken of as simple coppice or 

 the sprout method. 



Form of Forest Produced. — The coppice method produces 

 an evenaged stand, more regular in form than the majority of 

 those established under other reproduction methods. Sprout 

 reproduction originating all in one year explains this regu- 

 larity. 



Details of the Method. — The coppice method requires only 

 one cutting which takes the entire stand leaving a bare area. 

 Within less than a year the sprouts start and the new stand 

 has replaced the old. (See Fig. 40.) It is evident that ability 

 to sprout is an essential requisite for any species if it is to be 

 reproduced under the coppice method. Therefore the method 

 is one more frequently used with hardwoods than with conifers. 

 Sprouts originate from dormant or adventitious buds and 

 with most species start from the root collar, side- or top of 

 the stump. Those from the root collar are the most abun- 

 dant and develop into the best trees. A few species sprout 

 mainly from the roots. Root suckers cannot in all cases be 



