If you want a better genetic pool in your forest and you are relying on natural regeneration rather than, or in addition to, planted seedlings, you must leave higher quality trees for seed.

Foresters consider many criteria in side-by-side comparisons of adjacent trees, to decide which trees to cut and which to leave...

Topics addressed in this chapter:

•height growth

•crown ratio

•crown class

•tree age

•forked tops

•foliage quality and vigor

•branches

•cone production

•bole