Forest@ (Jan 2005)
Mechanical instability in alpine forest stands: causes and possible remediations
Abstract
The mechanical instability of alpine forests is usually related to critical meteorological events, such as heavy snowfalls and strong winds, causing single trees or groups of trees to fall, particularly in even-aged stands. In the present work, the instability of forest stands in the "dolomiti bellunesi" national park (Eastern Alps) is analysed. In this case, falling of trees is caused by "normal" meteorological events and single trees, as opposed to groups, are affected. At risk are especially large beech trees and high Norway spruce trees naturally widespread in beech stands. The main cause for such mechanical instability is soil shallowness, frequent on steep mountain slopes, which does not allow trees to anchor properly. Silvicultural options to reduced such risk and improve stand stability are suggested.
