Abstract
The author investigated the pattern of snow accretion damage in a dense plantation of old sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) in relation to slope inclination and tree size. For the analysis, I used data from tree censuses during 24 years, beginning when the stand was 134 years old. Almost all trees with snow damage were distributed on the slope site. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and the height of trees with snow damage were smaller than those of undamaged trees. In contrast, the height-DBH ratio of trees with snow damage was higher than that of undamaged trees. The height-DBH ratio of the trees with snow damage was generally >70. In conclusion, even in old sugi plantations that are generally constituted from large trees with DBH ≥ 30 cm, snow accretion damage will occur in trees with a height-DBH ratio >70.
