Influence of planting density on diameter and height in East Texas pine plantations

Abstract

The response of diameter and height of unthinned planted stands of loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) pine in East Texas to different classes of planting densities were analyzed. After tracking the development of diameter and height for 15 yr on a set of permanent plots representing abroad range of plantation parameters, average diameter and average height trends were observed. For both species, average diameter values were significantly larger with lower planting densities. In contrast, average height growth is insensitive to planting density at younger age classes for loblolly and at older age classes for slash pine plantations.