Puettmann, K.J. and M.R. Saunders, 2000.
ABSTRACT: The authors measured the growth response of eastern white pine saplings after partial cutting in a hardwood overstory in central Minnesota. they found that the pine saplings quickly and rapidly increased their growth in both height and diameter due to the increased light available after the overstory thinning.
On average, annual diameter growth in the pines increased 115% over a five year period after release, and average annual height growth increased 42%. These increases were seen almost immediately after the overstory harvest, and occurred in previously suppressed pines as much as 38 years old.
The demand for softwood lumber is anticipated to steadily increase worldwide in the years ahead, and eastern white pine is an excellent species to supply this market. landowners with white pine understories on suitable sites can expect long-term good returns on investment from overstory release operations.
The entire report can be found in the Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 17, No. 3, pages 89-94.