Initial sprouting, growth and mortality of European aspen and birch after selective coppicing in central Sweden

For reasons of aesthetics, sheltering, biodiversity, and children’s need of playgrounds, selective coppicing could be a useful and effective silvicultural method in urban areas. A randomised block experiment was carried out in three broad-leaved coppices situated within the fenced area of Arlanda Airport to compare a selective coppice regime (SCR), where all trees above a certain height limit were cut, with a traditional coppice regime, where all trees were felled. The effects of the treatments of the dominating tree species European aspen (Populus tremula L.) and birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh.) were studied. During three growing seasons after performed treatment, the proportion of sprouting stools and root shooting of European aspen were reduced in SCR. Birch stools had fewer sprouts stool⁻¹, and sprouts of both birch and European aspen tended to be shorter in SCR. There was a tendency that the sprout mortality was lower in SCR for both birch and European aspen. Residual stands of SCR consisted of proportionally less birch, and more rowan, bird cherry, oak and other species. Coppicing with single tree selection from above suppressed light demanding tree species and promoted the more shade-tolerant species compared to traditional coppicing.