The Lateral Growth of Branches into Small Canopy Gaps: Implications for Competition between Canopy Trees

Much research in forest ecology has been devoted to examining the effect of gap formation on regeneration dynamics. However, comparatively little examined process closure, which larger trees bordering grow laterally exploit available light. Thus, it remains uncertain whether disturbance disrupts or reinforces competitive hierarchy established among different species and sizes classes. We quantified lateral growth three hardwood tree with differing autecologies both before after small gaps created by single-tree selection. Linear mixed-effect models were employed link stem diameter examine favors intolerant canopy. Additional also developed relationship branch length height. Before formation, mid-tolerant yellow birch grew considerably faster than tolerant sugar maple American beech. was less responsive (~16%) beech, whose increased 42% 39%, respectively. This suggests that dominance species. In contrast, large canopy, since five times trees. silvicultural bordered may close too quickly permit Following release, their counterparts, suggesting declines as cost reproduction increases size. did not vary height length, does decline due increasing support costs hydraulic limitation.