Resistance of Plant Cover Types to Tree Seedling Invasion on an Electric Transmission Right-Of-Way

Abstract

A study of resistance of common plant covers to tree invasion was made on an electric transmission right-ofway (ROW) in an oak-hickory forest in central Pennsylvania. Tree seedling counts were made on belt transects in 1984, 1985, and 1986 after ROW maintenance was applied in 1982. Cover types dominated by dense patches of grasses and herbs were highly resistant to tree invasion. Also resistant were shrub covers dominated by blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium and V. vacillans) and bear oak (Quercus ilicifolia). Shrub covers dominated by blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) and witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) were of low resistance to tree invasion. A tree sprout-shrub cover that developed after handcutting contained numerous tree seedlings.