Pattern of Growth of Sapwood, Heartwood, and Stem Volume of Open-Grown Eastern Redcedar in Grasslands

Abstract

Abstract The relationship of sapwood width, heartwood width, and stem volume with tree age was studied in 141 open-grown eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) trees in central, eastern, and western Oklahoma. The rate of growth of sapwood and heartwood and the increase in stem volume were slow up to 15 to 20 yr of age and increased thereafter at an exponential rate until about age 27. These data reinforce the recommendation that control measures applied to invading eastern redcedar should be taken when the trees are less than about 10 yr old or less than 2 m tall. Allowing the trees to grow for commercial harvest may present a management alternative after the trees are 15 to 20 yr old. South. J. Appl. For. 22(3):169-174.