George, Yes, I'd say old-growth stands are rare. There probably weren't any "pure" tuliptree dominated groves as they associated with other species regularly. The pure groves nowadays are from large disturbances such as clearing or wind throw.
The soils in these rich coves were ideal for farming and the timber of high value, thus they were cleared. Many fine groves are preserved in the Smokies (Kalanu Prong, Buck Fork, Indian Camp Creek) and of course Joyce Kilmer is a well known site in western NC. I suspect most mid-Atlantic and s. Appalachian states had some giants. In the Smokies you can generally bank on at least a 12' cbh tuliptree in nearly every rich, uncut cove forest. Many will have a 14 footer and the larger coves 15-16 footers. It takes a rare combination of site conditions to produce an 18 footer and rarer still to harbor a 20+ footer. The striped maple, unfortunately, will likely be a victim of collateral damage from falling hemlocks. Will F. Blozan President, Eastern Native Tree Society President, Appalachian Arborists, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of George Fieo Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 11:24 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ENTS] Re: Kalanu Prong, Greenbrier, TN GRSM 4-21-2009 Will, I have to agree with James, your trips are awesome! Are old-growth stands of tulips rare? I think here in Pa. there are two known tulip poplars that are over 20'. Do you think the death of the hemlocks will affect the growth of the stripped maple? Keep up the good work. George -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Edward Frank Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 9:53 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ENTS] Re: Kalanu Prong, Greenbrier, TN GRSM 4-21-2009 Importance: High Will, Great Looking tuliptrees. It is too bad the beetle release did not have any real effect. The incorporation of small maps with the reports is a great practice. I guess I fee l more like I understad what is being described if I can see a map of the area. Ed --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
