The effects of residual trees on regeneration dynamics following a diameter limit harvest

Ten years after diameter-limit cutting, shading from residual trees had a negative effect on regeneration growth in three Appalachian hardwood stands. Regardless of shade tolerance, saplings growing outside the crown shading of residual overstory trees had higher densities and were taller and larger in diameter. Most shade-intolerant and mid-tolerant species decreased in total height and diameter as overstory basal area increased. Black cherry height (p<0.0001) and diameter (p=0.0002) had a significant negative relationship with increasing overstory basal area. Total height of shade-tolerant species was not affected and diameter showed a positive relationship. Red maple diameter had a significant positive relationship (p<0.0001) with increasing overstory basal area. Rehabilitation of stands after diameter-limit cutting requires silvicultural release operations to reduce competition in the new cohort.