Regenerating oak stands the "natural" way
Abstract
In forest stands, there is always a background of growth, senescence, and death of individual trees. There also is always some type of disturbance, from simple and constant events, such as wind, to more intensive and dynamic events, like a timber harvest. Hardwood stands are composed of multiple species, and these species respond differently to disturbance, depending on the age and size of each individual. So, when a stand is disturbed, you must consider not only the species but other factors as well. Every time a hardwood stand is disturbed (either via commercial harvest or other intermediate treatment, such as thinning or burning), there is an impact on the next stand (the regeneration). Disturbance must be coupled with what we know about regeneration response in order to accomplish a goal of regenerating oaks.