FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Celtis reticulata | Netleaf Hackberry 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Netleaf hackberry is described as fairly tolerant of fire [3].  Portions
of the root crown commonly survive after aboveground vegetation is
consumed by fire [3,57,70].  Plants are rarely killed by fire [14].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Netleaf hackberry sprouts from the root crown after aboveground
vegetation is consumed by fire [3,14].  In some instances, recovery may
be relatively rapid and cover can increase dramatically.  Netleaf
hackberry can reportedly outcompete species such as agarito (Mahonia
trifoliolata) in early postburn communities [59].

On the Edwards Plateau, netleaf hackberry readily sprouted and increased
in canopy cover after prescribed fire and mechanical scarification [57].
After fire it codominated (18 percent cover) relatively moist toeslopes
with flameleaf sumac (22 percent cover), and live oak (Quercus
fusiformis) (20 percent cover).  Very little netleaf hackberry was
observed on unburned areas or on drier burned sites (< 1 percent) [57].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Prescribed fire:  Bock and Bock [7] reported that prescribed fire is
"difficult to manage and potentially very destructive" in established
riparian woodlands of the Southwest.  These relatively rare and fragile
areas provide important food and cover for desert wildlife [61].
Because browse and cover are often limited in these areas, burning is
not generally recommended [63].

Wildlife:  Removal of shrub-dominated communities can adversely impact
wildlife in many areas.  Deer commonly avoid open areas, and if burning
is planned in shrub communities, efforts should be made to burn in
mosaics, leaving strips of cover [3,49].  In some instances, it may be
advisable to leave drainages intact for deer use [49].  On the Edwards
Plateau of Texas, burning at 7- to 10-year intervals is recommended if
management aims include controlling shrubs while maintaining deer
populations.  Deer numbers can be reduced if burns are conducted at more
frequent intervals [3].  Burning woody vegetation in some
shrub-grassland communities can be detrimental to birds, especially if
conducted during the breeding season [19].

Related categories for Species: Celtis reticulata | Netleaf Hackberry