Reforestation of a Salvage-Logged High-Elevation Clearcut: Engelmann Spruce Seedling Response to Tree Shelters after 11 Growing Seasons

High-elevation clearcut sites in the southern Rocky Mountains are difficult to reforest successfully and many sites remain poorly stocked decades after harvest. This article presents results after 11 growing seasons of a project designed to examine use of tree shelters to provide initial shade for planted Engelmann spruce (Picea englemannii Parry ex Engelm.) seedlings. Seedlings were planted in 1996 on a 48-ha site at an elevation of approximately 3,273 m in southwestern Colorado, with different shelter colors providing various shading levels. A control, consisting of shading using debris within the site, was also included. Results after 2 years were presented previously. To examine seedling response to tree shelter removal after seedling establishment, half of shelters were removed in 2000 and seedlings were reassessed in 2007. Control seedlings had lower survival (35%) than any other treatment (ranging from 59 to 78%). Shelter removal in the lightest two shelter color treatments did not reduce survival, suggesting that seedlings can grow in full sun after 4 years of shading. The best overall seedling development (i.e., survival, absolute height, and root collar diameter) occurred in the lightest shelter color with shelters removed. Tree shelters offer a viable means to restore high-elevation spruce-fir sites where past reforestation has proven difficult.