Stand structure, thinning prescriptions, and density indexes in a Douglas-fir thinning study, Western Washington, U.S.A.

A Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) thinning study was established in 1959 in a stand begun after logging in 1930. Thinnings to set basal area densities were done in 1959, 1962, 1966, and 1970. On each plot both large and small trees were removed since average basal area per tree was kept constant before and after thinning. Volume growth varied greatly between plots of the same age, initial basal area, and site because of differences in stand structure. Large trees on a plot grew more per tree and per basal area than small trees. Stand basal area, stand volume, number of stems, or number of dominant and codominant trees were not closely related to volume growth per hectare, although density indexes giving weight to larger trees showed the closest relation. The lack of close relation between stand density indexes and growth found here and elsewhere probably means the indexes do not uniquely define stand structures; it does not necessarily mean that thinning will not increase volume growth per hectare. Volume growth per hectare after thinning to a given basal area density will be greater and probably more consistent if larger trees are left and enough time is allowed for the stand to recover following thinning.