Damage and growth response in suppressedPicea abiesafter removal of overstorey birch (Betulaspp.)

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Abstract
The response of young Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) to removal of overstorey birch (Betula spp.) was investigated in an experiment where suppressed spruce were released before, during or after the growing season. The response was monitored in terms of growth and levels of injuries. Examinations were made at the time of release, performed periodically from 1986 to 1988, and after release every autumn up to 1991. The results indicate that there can be considerable losses due to mechanical damage caused by wind and snow and that the spruce may suffer a temporary growth reduction after release. However, no significant differences in the growth or damage levels were detected between the treatments. Injuries in the absence of mechanical damage were negligible. The stability of the residual stand improved considerably within 1 yr after treatment, and after 3 yrs no further damage occurred. Spruce released in spring increased in stability, expressed as the height‐to‐diameter ratio, faster than spruce released in summer, which in turn increased faster than spruce released in autumn.

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