The influence of espacement on the growth and development of a lodgepole pine plantation

Seedlings from two lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) provenances were planted at four square espacements of 1.8, 2.4, 3.0, and 3.7 m in the Sub-Boreal Spruce Zone of central British Columbia. Data for the first 20 years after planting were analyzed in terms of the entire stand and portions of it. Plantation espacement had a major effect on early growth and development. Wide spacings resulted in greater diameter increments and produced trees of larger bole and crown dimensions. Close spacings resulted in larger per-hectare stand values and smaller branch diameters.