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Plantation Spacing and Site Conditions

Most Wisconsin plantations have been established at a spacing varying from 4 by 4 to 6 by 6 feet. Usually the choice of the spacing was entirely arbitrary. Largely because guidelines did not exist, consideration was not given to tree species, age of planting stock, or site conditions. However, during recent years, many plantations have reached pole size, and the performance of differently spaced trees can be appraised. The results of some observations have brought a strong reaction against dense plantations and suggestions for wider spacing. Such recommendations may be well justified under certain, but hardly all, conditions. The spacing does not influence the growth of trees alone; it also affects several other important aspects, such as forest protection, genetic quality of the growing stock, and soil conservation. The following list consists of advantages and disadvantages of plantations established at wide spacings, especially those exceeding 6 by 6 feet.


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Author(s): S. A. Wilde

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 65 (1964)