Regenerative Aspen Response

Simple coppice silviculture is a forest regeneration strategy that involves cutting mature stems in order to promote regeneration via root suckers. In the case of certain species, coppicing can be a very effective way to harvest wood or get large woody debris onto the ground, while also encouraging a vigorous new generation to sprout from the parent roots. 

We have been in charge of the ongoing management of a large property in South Burlington for a few years, and this spring we decided to employ the strategy of coppice silviculture in order to accomplish ecological restoration goals. The area of concern was dominated by large quaking aspen trees, with very low levels of large woody debris and an understory that was beginning to become infested with non-native invasive plant species (NNIS). Aspens are known to coppice readily from root suckers, making this area a perfect candidate for this practice. At the same time, we hoped to release some of the other hardwoods in the area, including red maple, black cherry, and birches, in order to improve wildlife habitat and overall canopy structure. 

Last week we visited our coppice silviculture site, and were very impressed with the results. While the area resembles a small patch cut, it’s technically a form of selective cutting because we left behind many favorable hardwoods, focusing on cutting primarily aspens and white pines. The aspen response is immediately recognizable, as the area is now filled with vigorous new aspen shoots that are already head-high. This flourishing stand of young aspens will make it much harder for NNIS to establish themselves in this area. The addition of large woody debris on the forest floor is also quite obvious, and will benefit the entire ecosystem by providing food and cover for a variety of wildlife while the forest regenerates.