Reduce density to increase individual tree growth, often near B-level stocking. Generally done in a stand with average tree diameter less than 6 inches. Residual trees should be well adapted to the site and desirable for landowner’s management goals. As a result of this practice, average stand diameter should increase and most residual trees should be free to grow on 3 or 4 sides of the crown. This could also serve as a silvicultural cleaning, removing undesirable species from the stand. • Mechanical- Cut trees to reduce density to an approximate target spacing in stands with an average diameter less than four (4) inches. Desired species of leave trees will be specified. Other species may be left to achieve desired spacing. All stump heights will be less than six (6) inches. On some sites, cut trees may be marked with orange paint and/or leave trees may be marked with blue paint. On other sites the contractor may select which trees to leave. Crop Tree Release - Controlling competing vegetation from three or four sides of a highly-valued tree identified to be grown until the final harvest by means of chemical, mechanical, or hand methods. Primarily applied during the stem exclusion stage but may be applied at any time in the life of a stand. Competing vegetation means all plants within 3 feet of the Crop Tree’s crown. • Mechanical- Cut trees directly competing with or within 3 feet of the crown of the crop tree. At least 90% of crop trees shall be released on all 4 sides of the crown. No trees larger than ten (10) inches dbh should be controlled to release crop trees. If the crop tree is a stump sprout, all other sprouts on the stump shall be cut close to the ground. Crop trees will be marked with blue paint. The contractor is responsible for identifying which trees to cut to release crop trees. Great care should be taken not to damage crop trees...
