Regeneration development 4–5 years after a storm in Norway spruce dominated forests, Estonia

The regeneration patterns in wind-damaged areas are largely influenced by damage severity and varied microrelief. Regeneration was studied in Picea abies dominated stands with total and partial canopy destruction and in harvested areas in Myrtillus and Filipendula site types in Estonia 4–5 years after a storm, examining particularly the influence of microsites on regeneration establishment and growth. The seedling densities of regeneration were highest in harvested plots compared to heavily and moderately damaged areas. The seedling densities were lowest on mounds and highest in pits among microsites in heavily and moderately damaged sites. The most common tree species regenerating in pits were birch (Betula pendula Roth., Betula pubescens Ehrh.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) J. Gaertn.). Birch and alder seedlings that survived to 2005 were taller in 2004 than those that died. Trees were also taller with lower regeneration density. Spruces (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) did not prefer any particular microsite, but those growing in pits were smaller than those in other microsites. The plots harvested regenerate more rapidly with hardwood species.