Tree density and modes of tree recruitment in a Michigan pine-hardwood forest after clear-cutting and burning

During a five-year period following clearcutting and burning of slash in northern lower Michigan, changes in stem density and the relative amount of recruitment by both vegetative reproduction and seedling establishment were assessed. Prior to disturbance, the community consisted primarily of a mixture of red oak, bigtooth aspen, and eastern white pine. Following disturbance, bigtooth aspen and red maple comprised 66% and 25% of all stems, respectively. Stem density declined by 41% in the first five years following fire; there was no change in the relative number of stems of each species during this period. Bigtooth aspen, trembling aspen, and red maple were recruited exclusively by vegetative means, while other species were recruited both vegetatively and by seed.