Conifer encroachment increases foliar moisture content in a northwestern California oak woodland

Background Foliar moisture content influences crown fire ignition and behaviour. Some spatial variation in foliar is attributable to differences stand conditions but evidence describing this role lacking or contradicting. Aims To examine the of on tree physiology Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Methods We monitored both species, (stomatal conductance leaf water potential) oak, across three conditions, including intact stands (unencroached), invaded by (encroached), thinned with removed. Key results Encroached had higher than stands. Higher density was associated species foliage ages. also midday potential compared Conclusions These findings provide strong that thinning treatments can influence ecosystems, likely implications for other ecosystems. Implications Better understanding may contribute improved temporal prediction modelling