Ecological factors

Physical and biological events such as wind, fire, insects, disease and invasive species can affect how well regenerating tree species establish.

Within the context of these events, to evaluate ecological suitability of a tree species, factors such as regional forest health hazards and risks and tree species resistance and tolerance to frost and drought must be considered.

On this page:

• Silvics
• Species comparisons
• Stand-level frost risks
• Stand-level drought risks

Silvics

Find out about individual tree species silvics and ecological characteristics for B.C. conifer and broadleaf species:

• Tree species silvics

Species comparisons

Find out more about species comparisons on factors that can affect a tree species ecological suitability:

• Tolerance Comparisons (PDF, 60KB)
• Resistance and Potential Risks Comparison (PDF, 60KB)
• Comparison of Silvical Characteristics (PDF, 83KB)
• Forest health hazards and risks

Stand-level frost risk

Below is an Excel application that generates frost hazard data for a given area based on the area's Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) unit, slope gradient and slope position. The tool can be used to assess suitability of tree species based on frost hazard risk and factors that may decrease or enhance frost hazard. The application currently contains data for a portion of the Cariboo region.

• Stand Level Frost Hazard Assessment and Management Tool (XLSX, 23KB)
• Frost Risk Analysis and Decision Support Tool - final report (PDF, 842KB)

Source: Delong, S. C., H. Griesbauer, C. R. Nitschke. 2011 FFESC Project B5: Risk Analysis and Decision Support Tool Final Report

Stand level drought risk

Below is an Excel application that generates calculations regarding the relative risk of drought-induced mortality for tree species based on BEC unit and relative soil moisture regime. The tool provides an estimate of drought risk for the current climate, as well as predicted drought risks for climates in 2020, 2050 and 2080. The tool currently contains data for the Prince George  and Cranbrook Timber Supply Areas (TSAs).

• Stand Level Drought Risk Assessment Tool (XLSX, 51KB)
• Drought Risk Tool - final report Appendix 1 (PDF, 310KB)

Source: Delong, S. C., H. Griesbauer, C. R. Nitschke.2011 FFESC Project B5: Risk Analysis and Decision Support Tool Final Report Appendix 1. Assessing the risk of drought in British Columbia forests using a stand-level water balance approach.