Seed tree cuts allow the harvest of all trees except 2 to 10 trees per acre. These remaining trees are chosen for their good form, genetics, species, and ability to produce seed crops. The job for these remaining trees is to rain down genetically good-quality seed on the freshly disturbed areas. Although this method leaves fewer trees per acre, these tend to have a pleasing appearance because their spacing is very consistent. This method is rarely used in hardwood management, but often used in pine management. I have used it in hardwoods in rare cases where the desirable species are wing-seeded (i.e., ash and maple). However, this is not a good method for oaks or other heavy-seeded species.
See also:
References:
