Effects of Silvicultural Treatments on Early Growth Performance of Artificial and Natural Regenerated Cupressus lusitanica (Mill.) Species at Yeraba Forest, Northern Ethiopia

Cupressus lusitanica is widely cultivated in Ethiopia; however, its productivity is often constrained by inadequate silvicultural management, resulting in extended rotation periods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different silvicultural treatments on the early growth performance of C. lusitanica seedlings in the Yeraba State Forest. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was implemented with four treatments. Three years after clear‐cutting on a mature 25‐year‐old stand, seedling height, root collar diameter (RCD), and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS (Version 27), and results were summarized in tables and graphs. The results revealed significant differences among treatments at p  < 0.05. Natural regeneration with strong thinning (NRST) produced the highest mean growth, with seedlings attaining a height of 3.81 m, a DBH of 3.21 cm, and an RCD of 4.45 cm. These values exceeded those of artificial regeneration (AR) (height 3.50 m, DBH 3.03 cm, RCD 4.09 cm) and NRMT (height 3.16 m, DBH 2.50 cm, RCD 3.37 cm). In contrast, NRWOI exhibited the lowest mean growth (height 1.81 m, DBH 1.67 cm, RCD 2.25 cm), likely due to intense intraspecific competition. The superior performance of NRST suggests that silvicultural interventions should prioritize density regulation to optimize resource availability and growth. Integrating NRST into plantation management plans could lower establishment costs compared with AR while maintaining high productivity. Future research should examine the long‐term effects of thinning intensity on different adaptive and sustainable management of C. lusitanica in Ethiopia.