Excessive exposure stimulates epicormic branching in young northern hardwoods

Abstract

Sudden and excessive exposure of northern hardwood trees often causes growth responses that degrade tree quality, injuries that lead to tree deterioration, or both. The most sensitive and visible tree reaction to increased exposure is the formation of epicormic branches. Such branches may arise along the tree bole from either dormant or adventitious buds in response to some physiological stimulus. Often, but not necessarily always, they are associated with a decline in tree vigor. If they persist, knots develop and log and lumber quality are reduced.