Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Background. The presented study is focused on the analysis of the relationship between slenderness and selected biometric characteristics of Norway spruce (Pieca abies (L.) H. Karst) stand growing at the mixed fresh coniferous forest site.

Material and methods. Data was collected on three plots established on the permanent experimental plot of the Department of Silviculture, located at the Siemianice Experimental Forests (51°12´N and 18°03´E). Measurements and observations were carried out on the 30-year-aged trees.

Results. Trees were characterized by high values of the average slenderness index, s = 1.24 m·cm–1. It was found that Norway spruce stand was structured in terms of vertical profile. Its average height (h) was 6.81 m, and the DBH (d1.3) was ca. 6.0 cm. Results showed that s index is correlated with a few biometric traits of trees. In addition, it was stated that the correlation of slenderness with other features was weaker for lower biosocial classes of trees. The highest correlation was observed between s index and DBH (d1.3) – regardless of the biosocial position, followed by the crown height (hok), and crown width (dk).

Conclusion. The static of trees in the unmanaged 30-year-old stands was not stable 30-year-old wind and snow damage.