Finally, both ‘uniform‘ and ‘patch’ applications of silvicultural systems assume and prescribe stand homogeneity in order to optimize and predict tree growth. In fact, spatial and environmental heterogeneity exists within stands after silvicultural manipulation and may be highly desirable from an ecosys tern management perspective. Heterogeneity cannot, however, be predicted based on silvicultural system alone. Methods for both describing and prescribing this within-stand variability are required.