FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Pinus pungens | Table Mountain Pine 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Table Mountain pine is killed by moderate to severe fires, especially if
fire reaches the crown [11,13].  Mature trees can survive low-severity
surface fires.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
If fire exposes the mineral soil necessary for regeneration, seeds
released from serotinous cones will germinate, and seedlings will
establish in openings during the first postfire growing season [11,13].
Seedlings top-killed by low-severity fire may sprout from basal buds
[2,22].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Table Mountain pine is fire dependent, and prescribed burning is
necessary to maintain stands in areas where hardwoods grow [18].  In
areas unfavorable for other species, Table Mountain pine is able to
maintain a population without frequent fire and may have done so in the
southern Appalachians before human intervention [1].  Fires have
decreased in frequency since the early 1900's in Great Smoky Mountains
National Park.  This decrease in frequency may be contributing to a
decline in Table Mountain pine on sites suitable for hardwood succession
[8].
 
A high-severity fire is necessary for significant reproduction of Table
Mountain pine.  After a light fire, regeneration only persists in
openings created by the death of overstory trees [22].  Also, a
low-severity fire does not prepare an adequate seedbed [7].  A
high-severity fire destroys nutrient buildup and makes the site
unsuitable for some competitors [7].

In addition to facilitating reproduction, frequent fire perpetuates the
genetic diversity in stands of Table Mountain pine.  Many Table Mountain
pine stands are isolated, and, in the absence of fire, lose genetic
diversity as individuals mature and die without reproducing [5].

Related categories for Species: Pinus pungens | Table Mountain Pine