Stump Sprouting Performance of Common Tree Species in the Midstory of Hardwood Forests in Indiana

Many studies have examined the performance of stump sprouts across variables such as tree diameter, light availability, and site quality. However, most of these studies created large openings following even-aged silviculture, which is not typically employed in small woodlots typical of the Midwest United States. To address this, we evaluated sprouting performance after felling stems of six common midstory species, simulating a midstory removal treatment. We created 510 stumps across nine sites in Indiana and measured the probability of stumps sprouting, sprout density, and the height of the tallest sprout after 1 year following cutting for hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), red maple and sugar maple (Acer rubrum L. and A. saccharum Marsh., respectively), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), sassafras (Sassafras albidum Nutt.), and white ash (Fraxinus Americana L.). We observed that hackberry, northern red oak, red maple, and white ash stumps sprouted prolifically, but sugar maple and sassafras stumps did not. Furthermore, we found that white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herbivory depressed sprout heights, whereas the effects of diameter and light availability were variable. Our results suggest that midstory removals may result in vigorous sprouting; thus, follow-up treatments such an herbicide may be needed to reduce competition. Study Implications: Midstory removals are part of a shelterwood sequence used to established advance regeneration prior to a larger overstory harvest. We found that midstory removals resulted in a strong sprouting response by hackberry, red maple, and white ash, which are often less desired species in eastern deciduous forests where management goals generally focus on oak regeneration. Thus, follow-up treatments (e.g., herbicide) might be needed to reduce competition from these species. Furthermore, our results suggest that stumps from midstory stems may sprout vigorously enough be a significant source of reproduction.