This study investigates the climate sensitivity and resilience of radial growth in eight coniferous and deciduous tree species in the Vienna Woods, Austria. Using dendrochronological methods, we analyzed tree-ring width data from 63 forest plots to assess growth responses to meteorological variability over the period 1933-2023. Historic climate records were used to develop a water balance model, from which we derived seasonal growth factors. Linear mixed effects models were applied to quantify species-specific relationships between tree-ring width and climatic conditions during the current and preceding two years. Tree-ring width responded not only to climatic conditions of the current growing season but also strongly to those of the previous year. Soil moisture and air temperature emerged as the principal drivers of radial growth, with soil moisture positively and temperature negatively affecting ring width. Climatic conditions during June-July of the current year exerted the strongest impact on ring formation. Using regional climate trends and projected air temperature and precipitation trajectories for Central Europe under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, we forecast future growing conditions for the region. Both scenarios predict an extended growing season, increased transpiration demand, and heightened drought risk - more pronounced under RCP8.5. However, projected increases in precipitation partly offset the drought risk. By combining historical climate sensitivity of radial increment with future climate projections, we modelled expected tree-ring growth for eight tree species. Most species are predicted to experience notable declines in radial growth, with the strongest reductions in conifers, including European larch (Larix decidua), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Deciduous species - Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), and sessile oak (Quercus petraea) - show moderate declines. In contrast, Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) is projected to increase radial growth under future climate scenarios. These findings suggest that forest management in the Vienna Woods and adjacent regions should prioritize the promotion of warm- and drought-tolerant tree species such as Quercus cerris to enhance forest resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.

Tree species can exert strong and species-specific controls on water infiltration in forest soils. However, the magnitude and meteorological sensitivity of these effects remain poorly quantified under standardised site conditions. We measured unsaturated hydraulic conductivity ( K ) and soil water repellency index ( R ) in the A horizon beneath seven single-species stands – lime ( Tilia cordata ), sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus ), maple ( Acer platanoides ), beech ( Fagus sylvatica ), oak ( Quercus robur ), larch ( Larix decidua ), and Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) – in a common-garden experiment on sandy Dystric Gleyic Cambisols. Measurements were conducted in five campaigns representing contrasting 10-day antecedent weather conditions. Broadleaved species such as lime, maple, and sycamore maintained low repellency and high K regardless of preceding weather, indicating low susceptibility to hydrophobicity. In contrast, conifers (Douglas-fir and larch) rapidly developed strong repellency and sharply reduced infiltration following dry spells. Beech and oak showed intermediate responses, with repellency emerging under drought but receding after wet periods. These patterns reveal that species differ not only in baseline hydraulic properties but also in the speed and magnitude of their response to short-term meteorological variability. Our study highlights the importance of species-specific functional traits in regulating soil hydraulic behaviour. Selecting species that sustain infiltration and resist the onset of hydrophobicity could help improve water retention, limit runoff, and enhance forest resilience under projected increases in drought frequency. • Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and soil repellency were measured in humus-mineral soil horizon beneath seven tree species. • Five campaigns represented distinct 10-day antecedent weather conditions ranging from dry to wet. • Conifers (Douglas-fir, larch) rapidly developed high water repellency and infiltration loss after short dry spells. • Lime, maple, and sycamore remained wettable under all conditions, indicating resistance to drought-induced hydrophobicity. • Beech and oak showed intermediate sensitivity, with repellency peaking only after prolonged dryness.

At high elevations, tree saplings and shrubs are usually protected by mid-winter snow cover, although climate change is expected to extend the snow-free (SF) period. Exposure to winter drought, freeze-thaw events and freezing temperatures will therefore increase, inducing damages to the hydraulic system and to living cells, resulting in reduced growth and increased mortality. A snow removal experiment was carried out at 1700 m. above sea level on saplings of five different species (Acer pseudoplatanus, Juniperus communis, Larix decidua, Picea abies and Sorbus aucuparia). Stem diameter was continuously monitored and compared with spring hydraulic conductivity (PLCspring), living cell mortality (PLDspring), nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), growth and survival rates. Under SF conditions, saplings had higher PLCspring and higher PLDspring, and thus experienced greater winter dehydration, resulting in lower growth compared with snow-covered saplings. Summer mortality was strongly correlated with PLCspring and PLDspring. These two key ecophysiological parameters predicted the risk of mortality in all species, whereas only PLDspring reduced growth. By monitoring stem diameter during winter, we have defined indices to quantify resistance and recovery of woody plants under increased frost pressure. Recovery strategies such as resprouting or embolism repair were critical for survival, highlighting the potential vulnerability of saplings to climate change at high elevations.

Using native tree species, the phytostabilisation of toxic metals at former mining and industrial sites can provide ways to prevent metal spread and leaching into the environment and bring the sites back into the economic circuit. In this study, mixed afforestations with young trees from seven Central European species showing contrasted autecology (Picea abies (L.) Karst, Fagus sylvatica L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Alnus incana (L.) Moench, Populus tremula L., Salix viminalis L. and Betula pendula Roth) were exposed during five years to mixed soil contamination (Zn/Cu/Pb/Cd = 1349/317/70/8 mg kg-1). The uptake and allocation of the metals in root and shoot tissues, various functional traits and nutrient responses were compared. Despite high metal availability, all tree species showed low metal uptake and similar metal concentrations in their roots. The mobile metals (Zn, Cd) accumulated in the shoot and foliage of early-successional species with acquisitive ecological strategy only, whereas the late-successional species blocked the transfer of all metals from the roots to the aboveground organs. All species showed good tolerance to metal contamination, with large interspecific differences regarding the biomass production and some nutrient concentrations, in apparent relation to the varying species' ecological strategies and independent of the metal treatment. Zn allocation within fine root tissues could enhance transient spatial and temporal metal immobilisation, especially when associated with protective or defence structures, which also contributed to metal detoxification. Higher transfer of mobile metals to aboveground organs in pioneer tree species was clearly related to their acquisitive ecological strategies, in the context of higher nutrient demand in foliage and lesser defence and protection of vegetative organs. The implications of findings for phytostabilisation applications are discussed.

Photosynthetic pigments were investigated in developing and dried seeds of desiccation-tolerant (orthodox) Acer platanoides and desiccation-sensitive (recalcitrant) Acer pseudoplatanus. The seeds of both Acer species contained higher levels of chlorophyll a (Chl a), particularly in cotyledons, than chlorophyll b (Chl b). Chl a and Chl b peaked during seed morphogenesis, then declined. The decrease was greater in A. platanoides (eight-fold) than in A. pseudoplatanus (three-fold) seeds. The total chlorophyll content was greater in the A. pseudoplatanus seeds only for three weeks, before morphogenesis began in the A. platanoides seeds. Photosystem II activity suggested that photosynthesis might be more active in A. pseudoplatanus at the initial and final stages of seed development. The carotenoid (Car) content increased during the initial stages of A. pseudoplatanus embryo development. The Car/Chl ratio indicated a significant contribution of Car to the pigment pool during the initial stages of development and drying in Acer seeds. The chlorophyll autofluorescence signal was irregular and diffuse in the embryonic axes of mature Acer seeds; however, a spherical and compact autofluorescence signal was reported in A. platanoides cotyledons. Differences in photosynthetic pigments are discussed in relation to seed orthodoxy and recalcitrance, as potentially influencing the longevity variations associated with seed categories.

Wavy grain is a rare and highly valued wood characteristic that significantly increases the market price of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) timber. However, the genetic basis of this striking trait has remained unclear. Here, the inheritance of this trait was investigated using a unique two-generation pedigree including progeny of 21 parental sycamore maple clones, several of which exhibit wavy grain. Parentage analysis based on 12 microsatellite markers enabled the reliable assignment of most of the 599 offspring to defined parental combinations in this tetraploid species. Wood structure was assessed macroscopically in 113 felled trees from a 35-year-old field trial and classified as either wavy or straight grain. The observed segregation patterns were consistent with a dominant mode of inheritance: 71% of offspring with at least one wavy-grained parent developed wavy grain, whereas none of the offspring from two straight-grained parents exhibited the trait. The occurrence of wavy grain among offspring of wavy-grained fathers and straight-grained mothers suggests genetic inheritance through the nuclear genome. Taken together, the results provide first indications for a nuclear genetic contribution to the inheritance of wavy grain in sycamore maple. Due to the limited sample size and the tetraploid genome structure, more complex inheritance patterns cannot be completely excluded. Nevertheless, these findings offer a basis for future studies aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanisms of this rare wood characteristic and may support breeding and conservation strategies. Wavy grain in sycamore maple wood appears heritable and may be associated with a nuclear locus showing a dominant mode of inheritance.

Background. Modern anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to the decrease of primeval, quasi-primeval, and old-growth forests worldwide and in Europe in particular, leading to catastrophic changes. Such forests are key reservoirs of floral and faunal diversity and play a crucial role in climate regulation. This study is dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystems of the Carpathian region of Ukraine through the identification of primeval and quasi-primeval forests within the Kostryna Nature Conservation and Research Department (NCRD) of the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park in Zakarpattia Oblast (Ukraine). Materials and Methods. The affiliation of specific natural forest tracts in the Carpathians was determined based on desk and field research. Results. The most significant forest areas were found to be natural habitats of Fagus sylvatica L. stands with admixtures of Quercus petraea L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Ulmus glabra Huds., and Carpinus betulus L. It was found that the species composition of admixtures in beech forests is significantly influenced by vertical zonation and associated soil conditions. On the southern peaks and slopes of Mount Knyahynitsa, within the altitudes of 400–600 m above sea level, the presence of pure beech forests was noted, which is associated with optimally favorable climatic and soil conditions for the growth and deve­lopment of endemic species. Conclusions. Within the studied areas (Domashinsky Verkh Mountain and Knyagynitsa Mountain), 36 inventory points of primeval forest systems were identified, totaling 1,075 ha, along with 3 quasi-primeval ecosystems, each covering 8.6 ha. The need to designate them separately is indicated by the exclusively natural origin of old-growth (156–196 years) stands of F. sylvatica, Q. petraea, C. betulus, A. pseudoplatanus, and U. glabra. These primeval and quasi-primeval forest ecosystems are characterized by complex horizontal and vertical structures with the presence of three and four layers. The studied forest ecosystems belong to the first site quality class, highlighting their ecological importance for biodiversity conservation, soil erosion prevention, soil environment restoration, and maintaining ecological balance.

Self-shaping wood bilayers exhibit uncertainties in bending behaviour due to natural material variations such as growth rings and grain patterns that influence properties such as differential swelling coefficients and stiffness. While previous physics-based models use simplified assumptions about these variations, our method uses machine learning to capture spatially varying local features from each sample. This data-driven method learns complex, non-linear relationships of these features with bilayer curvature. Our framework encompasses bilayer production, data acquisition and preparation utilising computer vision, as well as the development of machine learning models. We analysed 64 sycamore maple ( Acer pseudoplatanus L. ) bilayers, yielding 1,216 data points on spatially local natural variations that correlate with their curvatures. Random Forest proved to be the most accurate, achieving a coefficient of determination (R 2 ) above 0.9 during training and over 0.8 on unseen test data. This framework demonstrates the integration of fine-grained material data into predictive models for material-driven wood design, adaptable to different species and data-driven methods.

Urban forests serve as representations of nature within city landscapes. Green Forest, spanning 5,198,412 square meters, has been incorporated into the Municipality of Timișoara's public domain and designated as a forest park. This fact increased green space per capita and enriched biodiversity within Timișoara's landscape architecture. This study explores the diversity of Green Forest trees and highlights their contribution to the urban landscape. Statistical methods, including comparative and linear relationships analyses, were employed to assess significant variations in the dendrometric parameters of the analyzed tree species: mean tree height, mean trunk diameter at breast height (DBH), tree age, and stand density. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were applied to uncover underlying patterns in the data. Using ArchiCAD and Lumion, high-quality 3D visual representations were developed for an ecological education area, an active recreation region, and a passive recreation area within Green Forest. Due to their morphological characteristics and phenotypic traits, the predominant tree species include Quercus robur, Quercus cerris, Quercus rubra, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus campestris, and Robinia pseudoacacia, which contribute to Timișoara's urban aesthetic. Moreover, the results of the dendrometric analysis provide a foundation for further research in urban ecology. A key practical application of this study is landscape design renderings, which provide detailed and realistic visualizations to effectively communicate the design and functionality of Green Forest's spaces. If implemented, these developments will encourage public engagement with nature, promoting mental and physical well-being within the community.

The seedling stage is critical for tree recruitment and forest regeneration, but faces high mortality rates, with drought being a major cause. However, knowledge of the hydraulic vulnerability of tree seedlings is scarce due to methodological difficulties related to their small size. We quantified the xylem vulnerability of the hypocotyl to drought-induced embolism using the ultrasonic acoustic emission and optical visualization techniques by performing simultaneous measurements on dehydrating 5- to 8-week-old seedlings of Acer pseudoplatanus, Sorbus aucuparia, Larix decidua, and Pinus cembra. Optical visualization was also used on the angiosperm leaves. Species-specific differences in hypocotyl and leaf vulnerability were observed. Acoustic emission data showed that the hypocotyl vulnerability of S. aucuparia, L. decidua, and P. cembra was similar to that reported for mature tree branches. Optical visualization was similar to acoustic emission vulnerability in A. pseudoplatanus and P. cembra, but higher in L. decidua and S. aucuparia (with differences of 0.83 and 2.50 MPa, respectively). The latter showed exceptional higher frequencies in small conduits, which may be difficult to observe with optical visualization. Both techniques can be used to provide new insights into tree seedling hydraulics, which will be crucial for better predicting forest regeneration in the face of climate change.

Global climate change is a major challenge for forestry because it fundamentally alters the growth conditions of tree species. Sycamore maple ( Acer pseudoplatanus L.), often overlooked in forest management, is increasingly recognized as a valuable species for sustainable forestry in Central Europe. This tree species offers a unique combination of high economic and ecological value, characterized by rapid juvenile growth, abundant natural regeneration, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, including mountainous regions. Its contribution to biodiversity, nutrient cycling and soil stabilization underlines its ecological importance. Despite its many advantages, sycamore maple faces significant threats from global climate change, such as prolonged drought and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Nevertheless, its genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity allow it to thrive in diverse habitats, including areas affected by human activities. This review synthesizes current knowledge of the species distribution, site requirements, silviculture, and associated threats and provides an economic evaluation of sycamore maple wood assortments. Its wood is highly valued for its exceptional versatility and quality, underlining its economic attractiveness. To maximize its potential, effective forest management practices are essential. These include strategies such as establishing mixed stands and implementing careful regeneration techniques to ensure the species’ resilience in the face of climate change. By incorporating ecological, economic, and climate-resilience perspectives, this review demonstrates the vital role of sycamore maple in sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation in Central Europe. The results highlight its ecological and adaptive capacity and economic viability as a resource for future forest ecosystems.

The Potocki family of the Pilawa coat of arms was among the most powerful noble lineages of the former Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, and its history is closely intertwined with that of Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. In the late seventeenth century, Feliks Kazimierz Potocki (1630–1702) founded the town of Krystynopol (now Chervonohrad), named in honor of his wife, Krystyna Lubomirska. The residence, passed down through successive generations of the Potocki family, was transformed in the mid-eighteenth century into an impressive Baroque palace-and-garden complex designed by Pierre Ricaudde Tirregaille, becoming a model example of the magnate cultural landscape on the border of present-day Poland and Ukraine. In the centuries that followed, the estate changed owners multiple times, suffered devastation during the world wars, and in the Soviet period housed the Museum of Atheism. Today, the partially restored palace accommodates a small regional museum. Although in the eighteenth century the palace was surrounded by an extensive Italian-French style garden with water canals, ponds, and fountains, the area has since been built over with public-utility buildings. This study presents a concept for the development of the surviving elements of the historical palace park. The project is based on historical analyses, field research, site inspections, interviews with museum staff and town residents, as well as a detailed dendrological inventory including an assessment of tree health. The study area covers 4.71 ha, and the current tree stand is composed mainly of Salix alba, Populus nigra, Populus alba, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus laevis, Acer negundo, and Acer pseudoplatanus. Archival sources allowed for the reconstruction of the original layout of the palace-park complex. The aim of the project is therefore to introduce new representative, educational, recreational, social, ecological, and touristic functions to the currently neglected area while respecting its historical heritage.

Background. At the present stage of urban development in Donbass, the problem of the ecological state of the environment and the assessment of ecosystem sustainability has become particularly acute, aggravated by the impact of new anthropogenic and manmade factors. One of the priority tasks of the region is the selection of species and the scientific substantiation of the list of the main forest-forming species of Donbass. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ecological and biological properties of species of the genus Acer L., growing in the changing climate of Donbass and anthropogenic stress. Materials and methods. Field research and material collection were carried out in the period from 2023 to 2025 along the highways of Donetsk city and park areas. During the study, trees of six species of the genus Acer L. were evaluated. in the conditions of the steppe zone of Donbass: Acer campestre L., Acer negundo L., Acer platanoides L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Acer saccharinum L., Acer tataricum L. The viability of the trees was assessed using the Alekseev integral scale. To assess the strength and mechanical stability of woody plants growing in an urbanized city, the following parameters were used: bending resistance, maximum permissible load and weight, relative bending resistance. Results. As a result of the conducted research, the ecological and biological properties of six species of the genus Acer L. are described. The viability, morphometric parameters, and age structure of Acer L. plantings have been determined. From the standpoint of biomechanics of living systems, species with higher wood density and fiber elasticity, A. campestre and A. platanoides, demonstrate increased resistance to mechanical damage, which allows them to withstand extreme weather events and maintain their structure in conditions of anthropogenic impact. For plants A. negundo, from the standpoint of the anatomical features of wood and the physico-mechanical properties of tissues in an urban environment, after 35 years, mechanical stability decreases by ~60%, which affects the accident rate of such trees. A. tataricum retains stable physico-mechanical characteristics both under control conditions and in areas exposed to anthropogenic influences. This fact indicates the potential expediency of its use in landscaping projects. However, given its aggressiveness, selective rather than large-scale use is recommended, for example, for the formation of hedges or alley plantings. Conclusion. The results obtained can be used to develop urban greening strategies, taking into account the sustainability and adaptability of various species of the genus Acer L. This will create more stable and functional urban ecosystems in a changing climate, as well as capable of withstanding anthropogenic factors and providing favorable conditions for human and animal life. EDN: KKGWYZ

Abstract Sycamore maple ( Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is an ecologically and economically important hardwood in Central Europe. For high-value genotypes, like wavy grain maple, in vitro propagation offers a promising tool for targeted multiplication and conservation. This study contributed to an optimised micropropagation protocol by testing disinfection protocols, silver nitrate supplementation, cytokinin type, and light conditions. Winter buds from 36 donor trees were disinfected with either sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC). NaDCC markedly reduced contamination (5.2% vs. 42.2% for NaOCl in crown buds) and simplified handling, recommending it for routine application. Across genotypes, 11.8 µM silver nitrate significantly enhanced multiplication (up to 3.4-fold), elongation and shoot quality, particularly in difficult-to-propagate genotypes. Trans-zeatin riboside showed minor, genotype-specific advantages over trans-zeatin, whereas sterilisation method (filter-sterilisation vs. autoclaving) had no effect. Light intensity was the main driver of multiplication and biomass accumulation, with optimal results at 50–60 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Red-enriched spectra (RB ratios of 3:1 or 1:1) further promoted multiplication and elongation, but higher irradiance reduced SPAD values and induced anthocyanin pigmentation, suggesting potential light-induced stress. The combination of NaDCC disinfection, silver nitrate supplementation, trans-zeatin riboside, and tailored light regimes provided a reproducible framework for efficient sycamore maple micropropagation. These findings support genotype-specific protocol adjustments to balance morphological gains with physiological quality, enabling effective clonal production of elite timber genotypes.

ABSTRACT Increasingly frequent drought events can favour forest disease emergence. Sooty bark disease (SBD) of Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore maple) is a good example of this phenomenon. Records of its causal agent, Cryptostroma corticale , invasive in Europe, have increased since the 2000s in central and southern Europe. The pathogen is found asymptomatically in host tissues and switches to a pathogenic lifestyle following abiotic stress. This latent phase hinders the pathogen's early detection. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of C. corticale in asymptomatic trees in France. Our study covered six regions, each including a city and its nearby peri‐urban and forested ecosystems, representing a human gradient of influence. We assessed the pathogen's presence in 540 wood samples from asymptomatic maple trees by using real‐time PCR. The prevalence was 13.6%, across all plots. The pathogen appears to be widespread in the natural sycamore maple stands of France, increasing the risk of disease development following future drought events. Host density and 3‐year accumulated water deficit best explained detection of C. corticale in asymptomatic sycamore maples. However, the detection of the fungus was not related to the level of human influence, as no significant differences were observed along the urban‐to‐forest gradient. Furthermore, C. corticale was detected in asymptomatic hosts even in regions with limited reports of SBD, indicating that the local reporting frequency of the disease does not reflect the latent presence of the pathogen.

Assessing the extent and magnitude of wildlife impact on forest regeneration (e.g., % browsed seedlings or reduction in regeneration density) remains a central challenge. This study explores the potential of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to quantify wildlife impact through the integration of drone-based thermal surveys and vegetation assessments. Specifically, it evaluates whether UAS-derived wildlife density estimates can be linked to browsing intensity and regeneration structure, thereby enabling an indirect assessment of silviculturally relevant forest dynamics. By combining remotely sensed wildlife data with field-based vegetation inventories, the study aims to identify measurable relationships between structural forest characteristics and browsing effects. This approach contributes to the development of spatially efficient, objective, and reproducible monitoring methods at the forest–wildlife interface. Ultimately, the study provides a novel framework for integrating modern remote sensing technologies into wildlife–ecological monitoring and for improving adaptive, evidence-based management in forest ecosystems increasingly affected by high ungulate densities and climate-related stressors. Two silviculturally contrasting study areas were selected: a broadleaf-dominated mixed forest in Hesse, where high ungulate densities were expected, and a pine-dominated site in Brandenburg, anticipated to experience lower browsing pressure. Thermal surveys were conducted using a DJI Matrice 30T drone equipped with a high-resolution infrared camera to detect and geolocate wildlife. In parallel, browsing impact was assessed using a modified circular transect method (“Neuzeller method”). Regeneration was recorded by tree species, height class, and browsing intensity. Statistical analyses and GIS-based spatial visualizations were used to examine the relationship between estimated ungulate densities and browsing levels. Results revealed clear differences in wildlife abundance and browsing intensity between the two sites. In the Heppenheim forest, roe deer densities exceeded 40 individuals per 100 ha, correlating with high browsing pressure—particularly on ecologically and silviculturally valuable species such as sycamore maple and sessile oak. In contrast, the Rochauer Heide exhibited lower densities and a comparatively moderate browsing impact, although certain tree species still showed signs of selective pressure. This study demonstrates that drone-based wildlife monitoring offers an innovative, non-invasive means to indirectly evaluate forest structural conditions in regeneration layers. The findings highlight the relevance of UAV-supported methods for evidence-based wildlife management and the adaptive planning of silvicultural measures. The method enhances transparency and spatial resolution in forest–wildlife management and supports evidence-based decision-making in times of ecological and climatic change.

ABSTRACT In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to estimate the heat-affected zone (HAZ) width in laser cutting of walnut (Juglans nigra L.) and acer (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) veneers using a diode laser. The model used input parameters such as material type, laser power, cutting speed, and angle. It achieved high prediction accuracy, with MAPE values of 4.44% (training) and 7.01% (test), and RMSE values of 0.60% and 0.70%, respectively. A strong correlation (R > 91%) and high R² values (> 94%) between predicted and observed HAZ widths confirmed the model’s reliability. Visual analyses supported these results. The HAZ width was influenced by cutting speed and angle, especially when the material type was held constant. Generally, increasing the cutting speed reduced the HAZ width. Similarly, raising the laser power (1.67 W → 6.66 W) also led to narrowing of the HAZ. Walnut veneer, being dark-colored, extractive-rich, and having large tracheal structure, exhibited wider HAZ due to higher heat absorption and pyrolysis. In conclusion, the ANN model effectively reflects parameter effects on the HAZ in laser cutting and serves as a reliable decision-support tool, offering both time and cost efficiency.

Forest management in Central Europe is affected by numerous biotic and abiotic factors, and wildlife damage to forest stands is one of the major ones. While damage to young forest stands is predominantly attributed to wild ungulates, the potential negative impact of the European hare ( Lepus europaeus ) on tree plantations has been largely overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify hare damage in comparison with ungulates, determine which developmental stages of trees are most attractive to hares, compare browsing preferences among key commercial species, and assess the effectiveness of commonly used protection measures. We evaluated 209 calamity clearcuts with 75,912 seedlings to determine the proportion and structure of browsing damage. Research revealed a substantial proportional damage caused by the European hare, accounting for 10.12%, while wild ungulates were responsible for 7.11% of browsing damage. The species distribution played a crucial role in the damage rate. Hares caused the greatest browsing damage on silver birch ( Betula pendula —37%), while ungulates preferred Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris —29%). Moreover, browsing intensity caused by hares was seasonally affected with a significantly higher damage ratio in autumn (<14%) compared to the spring season (<2%) when clearcuts offer enough alternative fodder opportunities. Common protection measures, such as coating and fencing, proved largely ineffective against hare browsing. Surprisingly, sycamore maple ( Acer pseudoplatanus ) and European beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) were more heavily damaged by hares when coated than unprotected seedlings. The results showed that the European hare plays a crucial role in clear-cut reforestation, highlighting the need for enhanced focus on protective measures, including population management and the use of specialized fencing made of dense wire mesh compared to the usual protection against wild ungulates.

Globally, forests are increasingly at risk from more frequent droughts, threatening their composition, structure, and functioning. However, growth responses to drought are still unclear for many tree species making predictions of future forest dynamics highly uncertain. In this study, we compare three growth response variables to drought, namely resistance, resilience, and recovery for Abies alba , Alnus glutinosa , Acer pseudoplatanus , Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior , Larix decidua , Picea abies , Pinus nigra , Pinus sylvestris , Prunus avium , Pseudotsuga menziesii , Quercus cerris , Quercus petraea and Quercus rubra in the Vienna Woods, Austria, a temperate forest landscape in Central Europe. We quantified species-specific drought tolerance by comparing radial growth during the 1983, 2000, 2003, and 2015 droughts to growth during pre- and post-drought periods. Species were ranked by drought tolerance to identify the most drought-tolerant species using linear mixed models. Our results show that conifer species (excluding P. menziesii ) are generally more drought-tolerant than broadleaved species. Species such as L. decidua , Pinus sylvestris and P. avium were the most drought tolerant, while A. pseudoplatanus , Fraxinus excelsior , and P. menziesii were the most susceptible. Fagus sylvatica , the dominant tree species in this ecosystem, ranked only eleventh in drought tolerance among the 14 analyzed species, and exhibited a weaker recovery from the last analyzed drought event compared to all other species except P. menziesii . These results provide critical insights into species-specific drought responses, informing forest management strategies under changing climate conditions. • Drought tolerance of 14 tree species was assessed in Eastern Austria. • Conifers, except Pseudotsuga menziesii , showed higher drought tolerance than broadleaves. • Larix decidua and Pinus sylvestris were the most drought-tolerant species. • Pseudotsuga menziesii and Fraxinus excelsior were the least drought-tolerant species. • Findings support adaptive forest management under changing climate conditions.

Abstract Many tree species show pronounced masting patterns, i.e. high inter-annual variability in seed production, which is strongly synchronised across large areas. Yet, when observing fructification intensity at the individual level, substantial intra-annual variability between trees becomes apparent. The drivers of this variability have so far been only investigated in studies of few species, individuals and/or over short time periods. In this study, we thus analysed potential predictors of individual fructification intensity for eight tree species common in central Europe ( Fagus sylvatica , Quercus petraea / robur , Acer pseudoplatanus , Fraxinus excelsior, Picea abies, Abies alba , Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii) across 15 years (2006–2020) and the area of Southern Germany. We utilised a comprehensive forest monitoring dataset, for which fructification intensity and crown condition are assessed visually each year for thousands of trees at fixed positions. Employing generalised additive models, fructification at the tree level was modelled best when considering predictors related to weather as well as tree age, crown condition and social position. The probability of (strong) fructification was higher in dominant trees, and did also increase as trees became older until a certain species-specific age had been reached, with the effect ultimately turning negative in very old trees. High crown defoliation had a negative effect on the probability of (strong) fructification in almost all species. Yet, in some species (e.g. Fagus sylvatica ), weak crown defoliation had a positive effect on fructification intensity, potentially indicating different life strategies between species.