All trees between seven and eleven inches in diameter were removed from this block to reduce the stocking level to 60%. The result might appear to be a two-aged stand, when in fact the residual trees are similar in age.

There is now a higher proportion of shade tolerant species. Sapling sized trees can grow to fill the newly available space in the middle canopy. We retained the habitat and food sources for wildlife in the upper canopy and near the ground, but midstory-dependent species may be adversely affected.

Thinning from the middle is one option for the landowner who needs some income, but does not want to remove the larger, aesthetically valuable trees. Although seldom used in Pennsylvania, we included this treatment for demonstration purposes.