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- Title
Deer browse deterrents and microsite selection influence Callitropsis nootkatensis and Thuja plicata planting success in Southeast Alaska.
- Authors
Puettmann, Klaus J.; Cole, Liz; Newton, Mike
- Abstract
Callitropsis nootkatensis (D. Don) Oerst. ex D.P. Little and Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don are ecologically and culturally important tree species in the forests of Southeast Alaska, and there is great interest in maintaining both species across the landscape. This study investigated the impact of browsing and nearby vegetation as a potential limitation for regenerating both species. Three different stock types of both species were planted on five recently clearcut sites. There were four browsing treatments, including a control, chemical repellent, physical protection, and delayed planting until after the spring browsing season. Browsing levels varied among sites, and on sites with higher browsing levels only seedlings with tree shelters benefited from browsing protection. Browsing during the first year was lower for seedlings with obstructions and slash that limited accessibility for deer. Seedlings protected from browsing by tree shelters and slash exhibited greater height and diameter and lower probabilities of seedling mortality after eight growing seasons. On the site with low incidence of severe browsing, most seedlings grew well regardless of browsing treatments. The benefits of larger seedling stock were evident eight years after planting on all sites. The results suggest good regeneration potential for both species in clearcuts with low browsing levels. In contrast, on sites with higher browsing levels, installing tree shelters at time of planting appears to be an effective treatment to reduce the impact of browsing on seedling growth and survival.
- Subjects
DEER; TREE seedlings; SPRING; PLANT species; LANDSCAPE assessment
- Publication
New Forests, 2024, Vol 55, Issue 4, p877
- ISSN
0169-4286
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11056-023-10008-8