Early Responses to Crown Modification of California Black Oak Sprouts Initiated by High-Severity Wildfire

Abstract Hardwoods resprouting after wildfire or cutting develop as multistemmed clumps that gradually self-thin over time. There is increasing interest in thinning of sprouting species to accelerate the formation tree characteristics important indigenous cultural practices and wildlife such large-diameter stems, large branches, broad crowns, acorn production. We compared responses three treatments applied black oak (Quercus kelloggii) high-severity throughout northern California, USA. Basal area increment dominant stem was greatest only one retained, intermediate stems were lowest within unthinned oaks. Unwanted response minimized by retaining stems. Acorn production tended increase time elapsed since fire (i.e., larger, older sprouts) but varied among sites noted early six years at site. More study needed test for effects timing intensity on acceleration well stem, branch, crown size development