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Describing the Forest         
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The forest stand is the smallest unit recognized in forest management. Each stand is an area of forest with similar species composition, age, and site conditions. Stands can range in size from a few to dozens of acres. A stand can be pure or mixed. It also can be even-aged or uneven-aged.


In at least one respect, trees are like people – larger diameter trees aren’t necessarily older than smaller diameter trees. Larger trees may have better genetics, or they may be in locations with slightly better soil or moisture conditions. The species composition of the forest, the species present and the forest structure the variety of tree diameters and heights depend on a variety of factors. These factors include:

•  Stand age

•  Local conditions
•  Past history

A pure, even-aged stand like a plantation has the simplest structure, while a mixed, uneven-aged stand is the most complex. Composition and structure affect what you can do with your forest and what wildlife may use your forest.
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