The Clearcutting Method

The clearcutting method is an even-aged regeneration system that removes the entire overstory (the mature trees) in one operation. Landowners may use either natural or artificial means to establish new trees. Foresters differentiate between the clearcutting method or clearcutting system, which is designed to enhance the regeneration of a new even-aged community, and clearcutting, which simply defines the harvesting method of clean felling (Helms 1998, Soc. Am. For. 1989). In contrast with the clearcutting method, commercial clearcutting or economic clearcutting is a type of exploitative cutting in which there is little regard for regeneration; all merchantable trees are removed and the unsalable trees are left standing (Helms 1998, Wenger 1984, Soc. Am. For. 1989, Nyland 1996).

There are several variations of the clearcutting method. The alternate-strip or -patch method is a clearcutting technique in which strips or patches covering one-half the stand are cut during the first entry and the remainder are cut at an appropriately timed second cutting. The progressive-strip or -patch method is a technique in which strips or patches are cut in progressive series over three or more entries, covering an equal area on each occasion (Nyland 1996).

The primary advantage of the clearcutting method is that it provides the sunlight required for the development and growth of moderately to highly shade-intolerant species such as oaks (Kellison and others 1988, Clatterbuck and Meadows 1993). The basic ecological premise behind the clearcutting method is to redistribute the resources of the site to a new crop by removing the existing stand. This type of cutting is designed to mimic natural disturbances, such as fire, windstorms, and catastrophic insect and disease outbreaks, which promote regeneration of species that have evolved to exploit these conditions. Such disturbances are relatively common in the central hardwood region. They occurred historically at intervals of one to a few hundred years (Abrams 1992). Clearcutting may also improve food resources for wild animals or increase water yields from a site (Hicks 1998).

Numerous advantages and limitations of the clearcutting methods have been noted.

See also: Application of the clearcutting method for oak management