Comparison of 5th- and 14th-year Douglas-fir and understory vegetation responses to selective vegetation removal

► Greater 14 year tree survival and growth occurred with at least 75% shrub removal. ► Greater understory biomass was left after 14 years with less than 50% shrub removal. ► Vegetation removal did not decrease soil %C and %N in the top 15 cm at 15 years. ► Forest managers may have greater flexibility in keeping partial shrub understories.