How to judge the conditions: A close examination of the wooded area may
reveal some or all of the following unfavorable conditions:

The trees may be so crowded that none can grow well. A few may have
grown to large size but the rest usually are decrepit, and
overtopped by the larger trees. They are, therefore, unable, for the
want of light and space, to develop into good trees. Fig. 139 shows
woodland in such condition.

[Illustration: FIG. 139.--Woodland which Needs Attention. The trees are
overcrowded.]

There may also be dead and dying trees, trees infested with
injurious insects and fungi and having any number of decayed
branches. The trees may be growing so far apart that their trunks
will be covered with suckers as far down as the ground, or there may
be large, open gaps with no trees at all. Here the sun, striking
with full force, may be drying up the soil and preventing the
decomposition of the leaves. Grass soon starts to grow in these open
spaces and the whole character of the woodland changes as shown in
Figs. 140 and 141.

[Illustration: FIG. 140.--First Stage of Deterioration. The woodland is
too open and grass has taken the place of the humus cover.]

Where any of these conditions exist, the woodland requires
immediate attention. Otherwise, as time goes on, it deteriorates
more and more, the struggle for space among the crowded and
suppressed trees becomes more keen, the insects in the dying trees
multiply and disease spreads from tree to tree. Under such