Growth and Relative Survival of Aspen Seedling Outplanting Following High Severity Wildfire in the Southwest

Aspen stands (Populus tremuloides Michx.) are declining in western U.S. forests due to drought, changing climate, and altered disturbance regimes. Management of aspen has focused on promoting vegetative suckering, which requires viable rootstock. With increasing wildfire frequency and severity in the West, there are opportunities for aspen reforestation post-fire. We tested how deadwood in fire footprints can be used as treatments for nursery-grown seedlings by outplanting 1,140 aspen seedlings in three recently burned areas in experimental treatments: 1) pockets of snags, 2) alongside logs, and 3) in open spaces. We also explored the use of Vexar® tree shelters to reduce mortality due to herbivory. Survival and relative growth were monitored after one growing season.