Shelterwood

A logical extension of the seed tree regeneration philosophy was to leave more trees in the overstory while the regeneration was developing in the understory. Not only would seed dissemination be more uniform, but the seedlings would have the “shelter” of the upper canopies under which to develop. The shelterwood method of regenerating an even-aged stand is where a new age class develops beneath the moderated micro-environment provided by the residual trees. The sequence of treatments can include three distinct types of cutting:

1. an optional preparatory cut to enhance conditions for seed production;

2. an establishment cut to prepare the seed bed and to create a new age class and;

3. a removal cut to release established regeneration from competition with the overwood.

Keep in mind

This method is recommended for regenerating eastern white pine, a more shade-tolerant pine species. For the yellow pines that are more shade-intolerant, the overwood “shelter” must be removed within three or four years.