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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.
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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. |