Stability and density management in Douglas-fir plantations

Limited tree size variation in coastal Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations makes them susceptible to developing high height to diameter ratios (H/D same units) in the dominant trees. The H/D of a tree is a relative measure of stability under wind and snow loads. Experimental plot data from three large studies was used to evaluate the impact of initial planting densities and thinning on plantation H/D values. The H/D predictions from the experimental plot data match spacing trial results closely but are substantially different than distance-independent growth model predictions. The results suggest that plantation H/D values can be lowered and stability promoted through reduced planting densities or early thinning; however, later thinnings may not be effective in promoting stability, since they do not appear to lower H/D values. Higher initial planting densities shorten the time period during which thinning can be expected to effectively lower future H/D values. Time-sensitive thinning requirements in dense plantations make their management inflexible. The flexibility with which a stand can be managed describes the rigidity of intervention requirements and (or) potential range of stand development pathways.