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Michael D. Schuster

The effect of tree density and height on tree-flagging of Lodgepole Pines in Niwot’s sub-alpine forest. Michael D. Schuster. Winter Ecology – Spring 2010 Mountain Research Station – University of Colorado, Boulder. Mechanisms of tree flagging. Predominately carried out by wind

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Michael D. Schuster

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  1. The effect of tree density and height on tree-flagging of Lodgepole Pines in Niwot’s sub-alpine forest Michael D. Schuster Winter Ecology – Spring 2010 Mountain Research Station – University of Colorado, Boulder

  2. Mechanisms of tree flagging • Predominately carried out by wind • Krummholz: “Crooked Wood” in German; These are the type of trees/shrubs near or at treeline • Reasons for bareness of trunk: lack of SR

  3. In the Big Picture • Why is this important? • Useful for forestry practices • Can put in context of CC scenario • Affects passage of mammals

  4. Observations and Hypothesis • I noticed that the trees had varying heights of bare trunk and branches, and this general height changed when the trees were either taller or closer together • Hypothesis: affected by amount of sun reaching lower branches, not by krummholz or wind as much • As the avg height increases, the height of the bare tree will also increase • As the L.P. Pine density increases, the height of bare tree should also increase (more trees-more coverage-less sun to ground)

  5. Methods • 10x10 m transect • Clinometer, field tape, flags, snow probe • Total density, density of conifers • Avg height (clinometer), snow depth

  6. P-value = 0.0128

  7. Conclusions • Total L.P. Pine height increases with elevation • Bare trunk height is variable—other factors • Density increases with elevation • % of bare trunk increases with increase in total height • No significant results—other variables are affecting the outcome

  8. Other variables to consider • Slope of transect • Aspect of transect (tried to keep this constant) • Elevation • Type of forest (are there deciduous trees) • Amount of exposure (wind • Snow depth (how does this affect height of bare tree) • Inaccuracies with measurements (10 m distance of transect, from tree, density average)

  9. Suggestions for next time • Bring an altimeter, measure elevation • More accurate measurments of snow depth • Find a better way to measure density • Choose transects carefully, controlling for: • Slope, aspect, exposure, types of trees (no deciduous) Finally, for next time: BRING A CAMERA

  10. Works Cited • Reference articles Arno, Steven F. Timberline: Mountain and Arctic Forest Frontiers. Chp.1 excerpt, prepared by CU. New York, 2007. • Pictures: • http://www.daviddarling.info/images/vegetation_flagging.gif • http://www2.swgc.mun.ca/botany/burntisland/images/Flagging%201.jpg

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