Forest management is a complex process. Silviculture— a system in which healthy communities of trees and other vegetation are established and maintained for the benefit of people—uses forest ecology to guide complex management prescriptions that mimic forest disturbances and processes. Silvics—the natural characteristics of trees—play an important role in prescribing effective silviculture.

The tables contained in this publication describe some important silvical characteristics of trees common in Virginia’s mountains. Landowners and foresters can use this information to make silvicultural decisions that achieve forest-management objectives.

For instance, it is important to know which trees are shade-intolerant, because they will require adequate sunlight to grow. Regenerating these trees requires silvicultural prescriptions that will open up enough of the forest’s canopy to allow sufficient light to penetrate. Another example related to forest regeneration is sprouting potential. Trees that sprout from stumps or sucker from roots (see descriptions below tables) may be regenerated by these means rather than planting seeds and/or seedlings.

Table 1

References:

Burns, Russell M., and Barbara
H. Honkala, tech. coords.
1990. Silvics of North America: 1. Conifers; 2. Hardwoods 

Agriculture Handbook 654. Washington, D.C.: USDA Forest
Service

Other resources in:

• Forestry
• Trees, Shrubs, & Groundcovers

Other resources by:

• Matthew Yancey