How giant Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur trees survives in the clearcuts?

Abstract

We studied giant (D1.3m>60 cm) Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur trees left in the clear cut logging sites. The aim of the research – to analyze the status of oaks after it’s retention in the clear cut logging sites. We defined their patterns of death and made recommendations to increase tree survival rate. The field data was collected about the status of oaks and environmental changes in the clear cut sites. After 9 years 27% of giant oaks died in the former logging sites. The rate is affected by the development class of tree, ratio of tree canopy with height. Better survival rate had trees which in tree stand were A’ class graded and had wider canopy. The age of surrounding stand had effect to the trees also. Better survival rate had trees grown in younger and higher stocking level trees stands. Lower survival rate had trees grown in 100 years and older tree stands with low 0.3-0.5 stocking level. Better survival rate had trees grown with spruces and birches as well as opposite - grown with oaks, alders and aspens. Impact to the tree survival had the distance from skidding trail to the tree and onsite soil mechanical damage. The greater soil damage and closer they are to the left trees, the greater part of trees were dying.