The influence of thinning on tree height and diameter relationships in loblolly pine plantations

Abstract

Loblolly pine data from thinned and unthinned plantations were used to evaluate the effects of thinning on tree height-diameter relationships. Results showed that thinning positively influences both tree height and diameter growth in loblolly pine plantations. The intensity of the thinning and the time since thinning, along with the inherent site quality, will determine the magnitude and duration of the thinning response. An equation for predicting total tree height from dbh and certain stand characteristics is developed from the data and can be used for predicting tree height in thinned and unthinned plantations.