Regularly Planted Rather Than Natural Understory of Norway Spruce (Picea abies H. Karst.) Contributes to the Individual Stability of Canopy Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth.)

Forest plantations, particularly high-density planted stands, are considered to be more prone wind damage compared naturally regenerated stands. The resistance (mechanical stability) of plantations can, however, improved by close-to-natural management, for example, combining pioneer and shade-tolerant species. Presumably, the stability such stands would enhanced reduced competition canopy trees stronger root contacts provided understory trees, which depend on spatial distribution. In hemiboreal forest zone, silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.) form a combination naturally. this study, static tree-pulling tests were performed estimate mechanical growing with random in (post-clear-cut) regularly bi-species mixed regular mixing stand significantly loading similar composition age. Such an effect might related stratification space between spruce, individual trees. Further, rooting network likely contributed reducing weak spots. Accordingly, improved, avoiding additional management.