Ecology and management of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L. syn. Q. borealis F. Michx.) in Europe: A review

Abstract

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L. syn. Q. borealis F. Michx.) is a valuable broadleaved tree species originating from the eastern half of the USA and Canada. It was introduced to Europe in 1691 and currently covers over 350 000 ha, being found all over the continent, except the coldest part of Scandinavia. It is a fast-growing and valuable broadleaved tree due to its ecological characteristics, good wood properties and high economic value. Northern red oak prefers deep, loose, moderately humid and acid soils, without compact horizons and of at least moderate fertility. It does not grow well on dry, calcareous soils as well as waterlogged or poorly drained soils. It is either naturally regenerated using a group shelterwood system or planted using seedlings of European provenance, collected in certified seed stands. As northern red oak is light-demanding, its management should be 'dynamic' and includes heavy interventions (cleaning respacing and thinning from above), in order to minimize crown competition between the final crop trees. These should produce large diameter trees for valuable end uses (e.g. veneer, solid furniture, lumber, etc.) within a rotation period generally of 80 100 years. The necessity for pruning (both formative and high) depends on the stand stocking at establishment, the subsequent silvicultural interventions as well as the occurrence of forking. The adaptation potential of northern red oak to predicted climate change, especially drought, seems to be higher than for European native oaks, the importance of the species is expected to increase in the future.