Observational Assessment of the Effects of Tree Shelters on Growth and Survival of Bottomland Saplings
Barrett Vaughan, Ronald C. Smith, Ramble Ankumah

Abstract
Bottomland hardwood and conifer saplings, primarily oaks, planted with and without tree shelters in an Alabama created, mitigation wetland were assessed for survival and height after two years of growth. The assessment included trees planted with shelters and a field inventory of areas with where trees were planted without shelters. Three shelter lengths were observed: 0.76-m (30-in.), 0.91-m (36-in.), and 1.52-m (60-in.). The survival rates for trees planted with the 0.76-m, 0.91-m, and 1.52-m shelters were 83%, 94%, and 98%, respectively. The average heights were 0.85 m (34 in.), 0.96 m (38 in.), and 1.75 m (69 in.), respectively. The use of a longer shelter was also found to promote growth beyond the shelter. For the trees planted without tree shelters, a survival rate between 39% and 48% was found. The height of these unsheltered trees varied between 0.30 m (12 in.) and 0.91 m (36 in.), depending on competition.

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