The average size of timber is now bigger. Large volume increases for all major species were recorded in all but the smallest diameter classes. The concentration of growth on sawtimber-size trees has caused sawtimber volumes for many species to soar, giving rise to more harvesting opportunities. Cutting rates were low. For the top 10 species, all but northern red oak had growth two or more times removals.
Stands are now denser leaving less room for ingrowth into the lower diameter class.
The maturing of the forest and selective cutting practices will continue to change the composition of the forest. Shade tolerant species such as red maple, sugar maple, and hemlock will have an advantage over northern red oak and white pine, which are harvested more intensely and are less tolerant of shade. Increases in quality follow increases in timber size. Bigger trees generally yield more quality lumber than do smaller trees. Of concern for the distant future is the shift to species with poorer growth characteristics such as red maple and hemlock.