Aspen regeneration on log decking areas as influenced by season and duration of log storage

This study assessed aspen regeneration on decking areas as affected by season of log deck building and duration of log storage; as well as root wounding, soil compaction, and slash depth. On former decking areas that were built after a summer harvest, aspen regeneration was 50% lower and root death 35% greater compared to former decking areas of a fall harvest. Duration of log storage after a fall harvest had little effect on aspen regeneration; short (1.5–3 months) or long (11 months) storage resulted in similar regeneration. Slash load was greatly increased on decking areas while root wounding and soil bulk density were only slightly increased compared to controls. For best management practices, log storage after summer harvest should be avoided especially when logs are kept over the growing period when suckering occurs. Additionally, removing the interwoven mat of slash covering decking areas and limiting machine traffic to frozen soil will ensure vigorous suckering.