Eight-year Tree Growth Following Prescribed Underburning in a Western Montana Douglas-fir/western Larch Stand

Eight-year tree growth of western larch (Larix occidentalis) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was measured following prescribed underburning on burned and control plots in western Montana. Western larch on bun.ed plots had reduced radial growth in the first year following fire but increased growth in the next 7 years. Douglas-fir had similar growth on burned and unburned plots. Growth was not reduced by low levels of crown scorch or cambial injury. Stand basal area growth was less on burned plots due to high fire-caused mortality.