Induced competition among scots pine seedlings and its effect on future timber quality

Height and diameter increment and timber quality in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) planted as seedlings of different sizes were studied in two experiments. When compared 32–37 years after planting, seedlings that were smaller than neighbouring seedlings at the time of planting, had generally attained lower height and diameter, and had higher mortality compared to seedlings that were of equal size or larger than their neighbours. Tree size was strongly related to seedling size two years after planting. Trees originating from small seedlings had thinner annual rings and branches than trees originating from large seedlings. These characters are of importance for timber quality. It seems that the competitive ability of a tree is to a large extent established early in stand development.