Sweeney and Czapka experimentally evaluated the short-term (1 year) and long-term (5 years) effects of measures to reduce both herbivory (tree shelters) and plant competition (herbicides, tree mats, and mowing) on seedling survival and growth of five species of deciduous trees, in two riparian sites in the coastal plain of eastern Maryland. Results showed that: (1) seedlings protected by tree shelters exhibit about 39% higher survival and 300% greater growth after 5 years than seedlings without shelters; (2) tree shelters alter the relative growth relationships among species of seedlings; (3) controlling plant competition may be less important for increasing survival in optimal sites than in marginal sites, and more effective when used in conjunction with other measures (e.g. tree shelters) for improving seedling survival and growth; (4) local herbivores preferred certain species of seedlings (tulip poplar and red maple) over others; (5) herbivory can mask the effects of other factors, such as site-to-site differences in soil moisture and fertility. Based on these results, the authors conclude that most prescriptions for restoring a diverse and natural streamside forest need to include a proactive program that will enhance the survival and growth of seedlings. Local site characteristics (soil moisture and fertility, light and temperature regime, etc.) will not be optimal for all species of seedlings, and herbivores and non-native invasive plants are at, and will continue to be at, historically unprecedented levels.
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