FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Quercus muehlenbergii | Chinkapin Oak 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The fire resistance of chinkapin oak has not been well documented [15];
the results of several studies have been somewhat contradictory.  Abrams
[3] observed no fire-caused overstory mortality in gallery forests of
northeasternern Kansas.  Many large individuals were scarred from
recurrent fires [2] but still exhibited good growth and vigor.
Killingbeck [33], however, reported that chinkapin oak is very
susceptible to fire in gallery forests.  These observed differences in
fire effects on chinkapin oak may be attributable to variation in fire
severity and intensity, site characteristics, plant age or size, form,
vigor, season of burn, and stocking levels [55].

Saplings and pole-sized chinkapin oaks are easily damaged by fire [23];
trees become more fire resistant as the bark thickens with age [28].
Most acorns are characterized by a relatively high moisture content.  As
the moisture within the acorns is heated, the seeds swell and often
rupture [55].  Therefore, few acorns present on a site survive fire.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
Oaks tend to be less susceptible to fire during the dormant season.
Weak individuals are less likely to heal than healthy, vigorous ones.
Oaks growing in overstocked stands typically exhibit lower vigor and are
more susceptible to fire-caused damage.  Crooked or leaning trees are
particularly vulnerable to damage since the flames are more likely to be
directly below the stem, thereby increasing the amount of heat received
at the bark's surface.  Basal injuries often permit the entry of insects
or decay that may ultimately kill the tree [55].


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Chinkapin oak commonly sprouts after aboveground portions of the plant
are damaged or destroyed [23].  Specific response is presumably related
fire severity and intensity, season of burn, and plant age and vigor.
Most oaks sprout from the stump after moderate fires [28], and from
underground portions when completely top-killed [55].  Hannah [28]
reported that the best sprouts often originate from buds located at or
below ground level.  These sprouts may be more vigorous and less
susceptible to rot or other damage.

Seedlings, saplings, and small pole-sized trees commonly sprout if
girdled by fire.  Damaged seedlings often resprout several times and may
ultimately grow beyond the fire-susceptible stage [28].  Sprouting
ability appears to decrease as plants age.  Large trees are much less
likely to sprout when severely damaged by fire.

Large oaks that survive fire frequently serve as seed sources [28].
Dying trees often produce a massive seed crop [55].  Also, some seed is
transported from adjacent, unburned areas by birds and mammals.  Fire
may favor seedling establishment because it exposes mineral soil,
creating an optimal seedbed [55].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
Vegetation in a gallery forest on the Konza Prairie in northeastern
Kansas was surveyed before and after 2 years of annual prescribed
burning in April.  The number of chinkapin oak seedlings increased from
100 per hectare before burning to 250 per hectare after 1 year of
burning, but no chinkapin oak seedlings or saplings were present on the
plots after 2 years of burning [4].


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Prescribed fire:  Prescribed fire can be an important tool for
regenerating oak stands because it tends to promote vigorous sprouting,
reduce competing vegetation [55], and expose mineral soil, which favors
seedling establishment.  A series of low-intensity prescribed fires
prior to timber harvest can promote advanced regeneration in oaks [72].
[See Management Considerations].  The effects of fire on oaks may vary;
in some cases fire can kill or injure oaks, but in others fire has
little effect [55].  In the southern Appalachians, biennial summer burns
are often effective in promoting advance regeneration, while single
preharvest or postharvest burns generally have little effect [72].

Related categories for Species: Quercus muehlenbergii | Chinkapin Oak