Post-ice storm tree damage in four eastern Ontario woodlots

grantor: University of TorontoA severe glaze storm in January 1998 affected a broad geographic region encompassing parts of eastern Canada and the adjacent north-eastern United States. Ice accumulations were estimated at over 100mm in some areas. Over 3 million hectares of forests and woodlots were damaged in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. One of the hardest hit areas was that around Winchester, Ontario. Four woodlots were studied in Winchester Township, Ontario following the ice storm to investigate post-storm damage patterns to present hardwood species. Over 1000 hardwood trees were examined for degree of damage based on percentage of crown loss. The results indicate a varied response to glaze accumulation depending on tree morphology, size, species and position in the woodlot. Based on a susceptibility index of vulnerability to ice damage ' Populus tremuloides', 'Acer rubrum' and 'A. saccharinum' and the 'A. rubrum' and 'A. saccharinum ' hybrid typically sustained severe damage. 'Tilia americana, Ulmus americana, A. saccharum, Fraxinus Americana' and 'F. nigra' sustained intermediate damage. 'Quercus macrocarpa' and 'Amelanchier laevis' sustained minor damage. Varied response to ice accumulation is dependent on location and biological factors including location within woodlot and canopy, aspect, tree diameter and height.M.Sc