Silviculture is the art and science of growing and reproducing trees in a sustainable way based on forest ecology principles. There are even-aged and uneven-aged silvicultural systems that use natural regeneration strategies or planting to meet landowner objectives. Common even-aged systems include clearcutting, where all trees are harvested at once, and shelterwood, where trees are harvested in two cuts to establish regeneration first. Selection is an uneven-aged system where trees of all sizes are periodically harvested over 10-15 years. Intermediate treatments like thinning improve stand quality between regeneration harvests. Natural regeneration uses seeds and sprouts while artificial regeneration may involve site preparation and planting.

1. SILVICULTURE
“The art and science of reproducing and
growing trees and forests in a sustainable
manner based on principles of forest ecology
for the benefit of society.”

2. SILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS
A silvicultural system is a series of forestry
practices using natural strategies designed to
regenerate specific forest types according to
landowner objectives.
Even-aged vs. Uneven-aged
Clearcutting
Shelterwood
Selection
Intermediate Treatments
Artificial Regeneration

3. NATURAL REGENERATION
SeedsSprouts Suckers Layering
Most of our forests are regenerated using
natural strategies in silvicultural systems.
Planting is not necessary but can be successful

4. CLEARCUTTING
An even-aged system where all or
nearly all of the trees are harvested
at one time.
Forest Types: Pines, Spruces, Oaks
Clearcut Seed-Tree

5. SHELTERWOOD
An even-aged system where one or two cuts are used
prior to the final harvest. The first two cuts stimulate
and establish advanced regeneration before the final
harvest cut.
Final Crop Should Be:
• Windfirm
• Good Seeders
• Undamaged by Logging
Uniform Group Strip

6. SELECTION
A selection harvest IS NOT a diameter-limit cut!
An uneven-aged system where trees of all sizes are
harvested on a cycle of about 10-15 years.
Single-Tree Group

7. INTERMEDIATE
TREATMENTS
Nearly any forestry practice not connected
with regeneration or harvest can be
considered an intermediate treatment.
Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)
Weeding, Cleaning, Sanitation
Cutting
Protection
Pruning

8. TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT
TSI thinnings are intended to improve the quality
of a timber stand. They can be commercial or
non-commercial.
Low
Fork
Crooked
Crowded
Unwanted
Species
Before TSI
After TSI

9. ARTIFICIAL
REGENERATION
We usually think only of the physical act
of planting trees, but there is much more
to consider in order to achieve success.
Species Selection
Site Selection
Site Preparation
Planting Methods
Competition Control
Direct Seeding
Underplanting

11. Classification of silvicultural
systems
1. coppice systems
2. high forest systems
a) regeneration over whole forest which is uneven-aged
polycyclic or selection systems
b) regeneration concentrated in one part of forest at any one
time
i) old crop removed in several fellings over years
shelterwood systems
ii) old crop removed by a single felling monocyclic or
clear felling system

12. Intensive versus extensive
systems
Intensive (monocyclic) systems
coppice
coppice with standards
clear felling
(shelterwood)
Extensive (polycyclic) systems
selection
group systems

13. Uniform shelterwood system

14. Group system