Guidelines for Thinning Ponderosa Pine for Improved Forest Health and Fire Prevention
Past land management practices have often resulted in ponderosa pine stands that are overly dense and prone to catastrophic wildfire or bark
beetle outbreaks Preventing a stand-replacing event is best accomplished through tree thinning. Lower stand densities result in greater individual tree growth and vigor. Lower stand densities also promote greater plant diversity in the understory. Determining stand conditions and formulating a plan to improve existing conditions is discussed. Thinning around individual trees can improve individual tree health, thus reducing the likelihood of damage from bark beetles, fire or drought.
Revised 10/2014. Originally Published 2006.
az1397-2014
Keywords:
- stand density
- basal area
- bark beetle
- even-aged stands
- uneven-aged stands
- forest restoration
- stocking rate
- ladder fuel
- crown fire
- surface fire
- trees per acre
Publication Date:
October 2014
az1397-2014
Pages:
7 pp.