The effect of release cutting on the growth and external quality of the dominant trees in a Pinus sylvestris stand established by spot sowing

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Abstract
The effect of the number of Pinus sylvestris trees in seed spots on the growth and external quality of the dominant trees was studied. The trees were monitored during the period between release cutting and the first commercial thinning. The treatments were one, two and four of the tallest seedlings retained per seed spot, and a control. The mean height of the dominant trees was highest in the one‐tree and two‐tree treatments. Diameter at breast height (DBH) increased with increasing spacing. On average, the stump diameter was 1.5–4.7 cm greater in the one‐tree treatment than in the control. Slenderness (height/DBH) was highest in the control treatments. The average living crown limit of the dominant trees was 4.6 m, and was at its highest in the two‐tree treatment. The results indicate that the competition in seed spots decreases the height growth of the dominant trees.