Exclosure size affects young blue oak seedling growth

• Main Authors: Ralph Phillips, Neil McDougald, Edward Atwill, Doug UC Davis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 2007-01-01
• Series: California Agriculture
• Subjects: California; height; plant characteristics; Quercus douglasii; seedlings; tree growth
• Online Access: http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v061n01p16

Blue oak, a tree native only to California, is notoriously slow-growing, and its low regeneration rate has prompted concern about the species' future survival in some areas of the state. We studied the use of fencing (exclosures) to protect seedlings from herbivores and promote faster growth. Placing exclosures 2 and 4 feet in diameter around blue oak seedlings increased their height and canopy area when compared to a control without exclosures. The 4-foot exclosures increased growth (height and canopy area) compared to the 2-foot exclosures. It appeared that exclosures reduced damage from both wild and domestic herbivores, resulting in accelerated growth rates.