Predicting Wind-Caused Mortality in Strip-cut Stands of Peatland Black Spruce

Abstract

Wind-caused mortality in strip-cut peatland black spruce was found to be a function of residual stand size, length of exposed edge, and site index. We developed a simple equation, based on these variables, to predict wind-caused mortality. A table is included that shows conditions where wind-caused mortality exceeds net growth. Wind-caused mortality includes uprooting and main stem breakage.