Crop tree release increases growth of red oak sawtimber in southern New England: 12-year results

In winter 1995, five crop tree thinning plots were established in central Connecticut. Stands were mature red oak sawtimber (74-94 years old) with no history of prior management. Crop trees were upper canopy red oaks (northern red, black, and scarlet) with a potential grade 1 or 2 butt log. Growth of crop trees was monitored for the next 12 years. Diameter, cubic-foot, and board-foot growth was increased by release on three or four sides (complete release). This increase was maintained for at least 12 years. Mean diameter growth 0-3 years after cutting was slightly greater, 18 percent, for completely released trees than for unreleased trees.