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STAGE 1: 0-20 years In the earliest stage of hardwood forest growth annual and perennial grasses, herbs, wildflowers, shrubs, and numerous harwood sprouts from established roots and hardwood seeds are the first plants to appear. Some pine seedlings may also appear. This stage has the most diverse plant life, which attracts the greatest variety of animals. After several years the hardwoods will dominate in height and number. Natural thinning will eventually occur, favoring the most vigorous seedlings and saplings. Forest managers can mimic and speed up this process through pre-commercial thinning and select the tree species desired by the landowner at this time. |
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