Table 1 Characteristics of planted forests in New Zealand and Scotland

Planted forest area (M ha)

1.8

1.1

Main species (%)

Radiata pine (90)

Sitka spruce (52)

Important minor species (%)

Douglas fir (6), Eucalyptus species (1)

Scots pine (13), lodgepole pine (11)

Typical rotation length (years)

25–35

35–50

Average productivity (m³ ha⁻¹ year⁻¹)

27

14

Initial spacing (m)

2.5–3.5

2.0

Pruning

Yes in 50 % stands. 300–450 trees ha⁻¹

No

Thinning

2–3 times

2–4 times (50 % unthinned because of risk of wind damage)

Average volume at final felling (m³ ha⁻¹)

515

400

Amount of genetic gain available over unimproved material (%)

20–40

10–30

Main silvicultural system

Patch clearfelling and replanting

Patch clearfelling and replanting