Abstract:The analysis of stand spatial structure is one of the important approaches to understanding forest structural characteristics. Based on sample site survey, this study investigated different types of Pinus massoniana forests in Hongan Tiantai Mountain, Hubei Province, to analyze and compare their spatial structural differences. The results showed that the diameter class distribution of mixed Pinus massoniana forests was relatively reasonable, presenting an inverted "J"-shaped pattern. Three forest types-pure Pinus massoniana forest, coniferous-broadleaf mixed forest dominated by Pinus massoniana, and coniferous-broadleaf mixed forest dominated by broadleaf trees-all exhibited mildly aggregated distribution patterns. The average competition index of mixed forests (1.8813 and 2.0117) was significantly higher than that of pure forests (1.5022). As trees grow, competition among individual trees gradually decreases.Overall, the spatial structure of coniferous-broadleaf mixed Pinus massoniana forests outperformed that of pure Pinus massoniana forests. For the transformation of pure Pinus massoniana forests in this area, the coniferous-broadleaf mixed forest dominated by Pinus massoniana could serve as a reference model. From the perspective of stand structure, management measures are suggested to focus on adjusting diameter class structures and optimizing the distribution patterns.