The work evaluates leaf area index (LAI) and its relation to the aboveground dendromass production in various forest stand types of European chestnut (Castanea sativa M i l l.) in Slovakia which were tended by moderate crown thinnings up to the age of 28. The highest LAI values were found at the above age in an untended mixed stand of Castanea saliva M i l l. and Tilia cordata M i l l. (9.09 ha.ha-1) together with the highest aboveground dendromass stock (138.72 t.ha-1) and the highest mean periodical increment per a unit of growth area (9.08 t.ha-1 year-1) within the years 1982-1986. The highest value of the mean periodical increment per a unit of leaf area (6.38 g.dm-2) was found in a tended mixed stand of Castanea sativa M i l l. and Tilia cordata M i l l., within the years 1977-1981.