Abstract
In order to restore forests in abandoned clearcut areas covered with Gleichenia japonica Spr. in Owase region, Mie Prefecture, Japan, development of a low-cost method is required for preventing the damage caused by sika deer browsing on trees. Hence, I established study sites in these clearcut areas comprising spot weeding plots and planted hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) trees. Next, I observed deer invasion patterns into the plots and the growth of the hinoki trees over a 2- or 3-year period. The invasion frequency decreased with an increase in slope steepness. With decreases in both the browsing damage levels in the first year and the top shoot browsing frequency in the second and third years, the tree height increased. Thus, I conclude that the method described in this study will be effective when applied to steep mountain slopes.
