Current Annual Increment Research Articles

Mapping Forest Growing Stock and Its Current Annual Increment Using Random Forest and Remote Sensing Data in Northeast Italy

The role of forests in providing multiple goods and services has been recognized worldwide. In such a context, reliable spatial predictions of forest attributes such as tree volume and current increment are fundamental for conducting forest monitoring, improving restoration programs, and supporting decision-making processes. This article presents the methodology and the results of the wall-to-wall spatialization of the growing stock volume and the current annual increment measured in 273 plots of data of the Italian National Forest Inventory over an area of more than 3260 km2 in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Northeast Italy). To this aim, a random forest model was tested using as predictors 4 spectral indices from Sentinel-2, a high-resolution Canopy Height Model derived from LiDAR, and geo-morphological data. According to the Leave One Out cross-validation procedure, the model for the growing stock shows an R2 and an RMSE% of 0.67 and 41%, respectively. Instead, an R2 of 0.47 and an RMSE% of 57% were obtained for the current annual increment. The validation with an independent dataset further improved the models’ performances, yielding significantly higher R2 values of 0.84 and 0.83 for volume and for increment, respectively. Our results underline a relatively higher importance of LiDAR-derived metrics compared to other covariates in estimating both attributes, as they were even twice as important as vegetation indices for growing stock. Therefore, these metrics are promising for the development of a national LiDAR-based model.

PERTUMBUHAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN TANAMAN SAMAMA(Anthocepalus macrophyllus) DI DEMPLOT SUMBER BENIH DESA HATUSUA KECAMATAN KAIRATU KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT

The aim of this research is to determine the diameter increment and height increment, growth and development of Samama Plants (Anthocepalus marcophyllus) as well as environmental factors that influence the growth of Samama Plants (Anthocepalus marcophyllus). This research was carried out in Block III of Samama Plants (Anthocepalus marcophyllus) in the Seed Source Demonstration Plot in Hatusua Village, Kairatu District, West Seram Regency. Initial data was taken in January 2022 and continued with final data collection in July 2022. This research uses a quantitative analysis method by calculating the Average Annual Increment (MAI), current annual increment (CAI) and analysis simple regression. The results of further research show that the growth of Samama (AnthocepHalus marcopHyllus) plants in the seed source demonstration plot of Hatusua village, West Seram Regency with a Current Annual Rate (CAI) diameter in 2022 is 1.2 (cm/tnm/yr) and an average annual increase (MAI) diameter is 3.05 (cm/tnm/yr), current annual increment (CAI) is high, namely 1.77 (m/tnm/yr) and average annual increment (MAI) is high, namely 2.93 (m /tnm/yr). The development of the Samama plant in measurements in 2022, the walnut plant has developed. From the results of research in 2022, the growth of the Samama plant is at the pole and tree level. There are 8 trees on the pole with diameters ranging from 14.5 – 20.

Growth of Clones of Eucalyptus urophylla in Two Contrasting Soil Conditions in Plantations of Southeastern Mexico

Eucalyptus urophylla is important for the establishment of commercial forest plantations in Mexico. Genetic improvement programs are currently being implemented to increase timber productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adaptability and growth stability of 26 clonal lines of E. urophylla in Acrisol and Fluvisol soils and to identify the most suitable genotypes for each soil type. Tree survival, diameter at breast height, and total height were measured annually for six years. These variables were used to estimate individual volume, volume per hectare, and mean annual (MAIv) and current annual (CAIv) volume increment. Survival ranged from 14 to 100% in the Acrisol soil and from 0 to 89% in the Fluvisol soil. Volume per hectare ranged from 65.3 to 488.7 m3, MAIv from 11.1 to 83.1 m3 ha−1 year−1, and CAIv from 2.4 to 134.7 m3 ha−1 year−1. Individual heritability (Hi2) was moderate (0.29–0.49) while the mean heritability of the cloned lines was high (0.73–0.90), indicating that growth is subject to high genetic control. Diameter, height, and volume presented no genotype × environment interaction effects, demonstrating stability in the growth of the clonal lines in both soil types.

EFFECT OF THINNING ON GROWTH AND WOOD PRODUCTION OF NATURALLY REGENERATED 8-YEAR-OLD ACACIA MANGIUM WILLD. PLANTATION ON ABANDONED MINING AREA, SOUTHERN THAILAND

Thinning is an important practice for promoting growth and maintaining forest plantation for wood production from the remaining trees. In this study, thinning was carried out in a naturally regenerated 8-year-old Acacia mangium plot in the Phangnga Forestry Research Station. Three thinning schemes, with 175 (T1), 300 (T2) and 600 (T3) remaining trees/ha, were compared with the control (no thinning) of 831 trees/ha. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and height (H) of the trees were measured. The differences in growth, current annual increment (CAI), aboveground biomass, and stem volume (V) were analyzed. We observed that the thinning of A. mangium increased the growth rate, with the DBH being clearly affected by thinning. CAIDBH increased significantly, with the DBH class of thinned A. mangium plots also improving after thinning. The stem volume and aboveground biomass of T3 plot was similar to the control plot after thinning. In addition, the number of large saw logs was the highest in T3 plot. The large saw logs can be used for multi-utilization and have a high value. These results suggest that thinning can promote stem growth, and increase the proportion of large saw logs in naturally regenerated A. mangium stands.

PERTUMBUHAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN TANAMAN Gmelina moluccana (RE-NUMERASI KEDELAPAN)

This research aims to determine the annual growth rate, diameter growth, and technical rotation age achievement of Titi trees (Gmelina moluccana) 8 years after planting. The method employed is a quantitative descriptive approach, involving the re-measurement (re-numeration) of Titi trees to calculate growth rates and observe changes in growth stages. The results of the study indicate a current annual increment (CAI) of 2.69 cm/yr for diameter in the eighth year, and a mean annual increment (MAI) of 1.52 cm/yr for diameter. In terms of height, the current annual increment (CAI) is 2.48 cm/yr in the eighth year, with a mean annual increment (MAI) of 1.49 cm/yr. The achievement of the technical rotation age for Titi trees (Gmelina moluccana) based on diameter growth is reached in the seventh year. In the eighth year, the development of Titi trees (Gmelina moluccana) shows that 23 individuals are still at the pole stage, 52 individuals have reached the tree stage, and there are no trees that have flowered or fruited yet.

Growth dynamic and climate signals on abandoned plantation of Pinus elliottii in Southern Brazil: A dendrochronological contribution

Pinus plantation forestry in South America has expanded quickly and assumed a significant portion of land use, including in urban arborization. This invasive alien genus changes the plant community, resulting in a loss of biodiversity, and environmental issues that require public policy actions. Here, we applied dendrochronology to assess ecological growth dynamics and micro and macro scale climate effects on an abandoned Pinus elliottii trees in urban forest fragments, and provide insights into the management for public policies. We constructed a robust 41-year (1978 – 2019) chronology that showed r = 0.63, rbar = 0.47, and EPS = 0.92 with an average annual growth rate of 7.10 mm/year. Modeling tree growth of diameter, height and volume of P. elliottii based on tree-ring analysis, we assessed the average diameter without bark (42.37 cm) and height (19 m). The growth rates in the early years evidence pioneer behavior, representing rapid sexual maturity. The volume growth model indicates an average individual volume of 1.23 m³ , with maximum productivity at 16 years when the current annual volume increment peaks. This age corresponds to a diameter of 32 cm, which would be an appropriate minimum logging diameter to wood destined for a sawmill. Volumetric increment rates highlight the potential trade-in forestry sector and application in public policies that aim to control and manage P. elliotti. We evidence significant climatic signals, but with moderate influence on the variability of growth. For the local climatic variables, there was a positive influence of warm and humid summer and late spring, during the previous and current growth seasons. Furthermore, considering global climatic factors, there was only a positive influence of the Annual Southern Oscillation Index for June, representing a positive correlation for dry and cold early winter, influenced by La Niña events. This work provides an understanding of the biological growth of P. elliotti in urban forest fragments and opens a perspective to assist public policies in managing the invasion of Pinus spp. linked to the forest trade.

Annual Tree-Ring Curve-Fitting for Graphing the Growth Curve and Determining the Increment and Cutting Cycle Period of Sungkai (Peronema canescens)

Growth and increment are extremely important in sustainable forest management, and in forest inventory they are periodically measured in a permanent sampling unit. The age of a tree is often unknown, especially in natural, community, and urban forests; therefore, determining growth and increment can be problematic. The aim of this study was to propose a solution for this problem by conducting annual tree-ring curve-fitting to determine a tree’s age-related dimension so that growth and increment can then be calculated smoothly. Sungkai (Peronema canescens), a luxurious commercial timber chosen as a case study, resulted in a satisfying growth curve following continuous models (Gompertz, Chapman–Richards, and von Bertalanffy) and discrete models (Bahtiar and Darwis exponential modification). The Chapman–Richards model gave the best-fit sigmoid growth curve. The first derivation (dN/dt) of the growth formula produces the current annual increment (CAI). CAI intersection with mean annual increment (MAI) at the peak of MAI resulted in the optimum biological rotation age and a cutting cycle period of 30 years for the Sungkai plantation commonly planted in urban forests.

StemAnalysis: An R-package for reconstructing tree growth and carbon accumulation with stem analysis data

1. Accurate information about age dynamics of timber production and carbon storage in forest ecosystems is frequently required by scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers. However, we lack standardized tools to calculate tree growth dynamics, even though this could be obtained by combining typical tree inventory, allometry and stem analysis data.2. Here we present an integrated R package, StemAnalysis, designed to reconstruct stem growth profiles, construct height-diameter relationships, and consequently to compute growth trends in terms of diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, stem volume, tree biomass and carbon for an individual tree.3. StemAnalysis performs a number of standard tasks on input stem analysis data: (i) age class determination; (ii) the cumulative growth, mean annual increment, and current annual increment of outside-bark DBH, tree height, and stem volume are estimated; (iii) height-diameter relationship is fitted with nonlinear models; and (iv) tree biomass and carbon storage estimation from allometric and volume models are calculated. These tasks can be performed optionally.4. StemAnalysis provides investigators with a set of procedures for exploring tree growth patterns, thereby contributing to the ongoing development of forest multifunctional management sciences.

The Growth of Titi Plant (Gmelina moluccana) and Environmental Factors that Affect It

The Growth of Titi Plant (Gmelina moluccana) and Environmental Factors that Affect It

Radial growth rate does not affect radial variation of latewood tracheid length in aged trees of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae

Summary Tracheid length is lowest at the pith and then it increases rapidly as cambial age increases up until it reaches an asymptote value in what is known as ‘Sanio’s first law’. However, it is still unclear the effect of radial growth rate on latewood tracheid length and the effect of radial variation pattern of latewood tracheid length on the boundary position between juvenile and mature wood in aged trees. Radial variation modeling was applied to annual ring width and latewood tracheid length in aged trees (79–238 years old) of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondae grown in natural forests and a plantation in Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori, Japan. In addition, the effect of differences in radial variation patterns of latewood tracheid length on the boundary age between juvenile and mature wood was evaluated. Cambial age showing the maximum values of current annual increment and mean annual increment was 42–121 and 65–189 years for natural forests and 30–33 and 46–52 years for the plantation, respectively. A mixed-effects model based on a logarithmic function with an explanatory variable of only cambial age, and random intercepts of stand and individual tree, was selected as the one best explaining the radial variation of latewood tracheid length. The estimated boundary cambial age was approximately 20 years in all trees regardless of radial growth rate. We concluded that (1) the regularity of radial variation in tracheid known as ‘Sanio’s first law’ can be adapted to at least about 250 annual rings from the pith in T. dolabrata trees, (2) the boundary cambial age is similar to that in younger trees, and (3) the effect of radial growth rate on latewood tracheid length is minimal in T. dolabrata.

Modelling the Development of Above-Ground Biomass Energy Reserves of Four Economically Important Coniferous Woody Species

The goal of renewable energy is to replace energy production from fossil fuels. In that sense, forest biomass is essential renewables. This article presents the results of the development of energy reserves in fractions, increments and the total above-ground biomass of coniferous stands (spruce, fir, pine, larch) during their economic cycle. The experimental material comes from 22 forest stands located mainly in Central Slovakia, to a lesser extent also in Western and Eastern Slovakia. Energy reserves of coniferous stands were calculated based on the volume production of above-ground biomass fractions taken from mathematical models of yield tables and average values of their basic density and calorific value were determined. The research showed that as the age of the stands increased, the share of energy in the wood fraction increased, while it decreased in the bark fraction, and especially the branch fraction. The curves constructed in relation to the age of the stand and site index have a very similar shape to the curves of the total current annual energy increment of coniferous stands. The energy reserves of stands grew faster at the age of 40 to 80 years than at the age of 80 to 140 years. Spruce had the highest total mean energy increment, followed by fir, larch and pine. As the age of the stands increases, the energy reserves of the increments slightly decrease and the efficiency of solar energy significantly decreases. It peaks practically at the age of reaching the maximum annual energy increment.

Comparison of carbon content between plantation and natural regeneration seedlings in Durango, Mexico.

Forest plantations and natural forests perform a relevant role in capturing CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. The objective of this study was to compare the diameter increment, biomass and carbon accumulation in a plantation of Pinus durangensis and a naturally regenerated stand. The data were collected from 32 circular plots of 100 m2 (16 plots in the planted site and 16 in naturally regenerated area). At each plot, the diameter at the base (cm) and height (m) of all seedlings were measured using a Vernier and tape measure, and a seedling was destructively sampled collecting one cross-section at the base of the stump. The annual ring-width increment of each sampled seedling was recorded to obtain its diameter at the base and estimate annual aboveground biomass and carbon accumulation through allometric equations. The response variables were evaluated using mixed-effects ANOVA models. Results indicated that there were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) on annual tree-ring width growth, biomass and carbon accumulation. The plantation seedlings showed significantly higher growth rates, biomass and carbon accumulation at most evaluated years. After 7 years of growth the lines of current annual increment (CAI) and mean annual increment (MAI) in basal diameter for both the plantation and the natural regeneration have not yet intersected. Both forest plantations and naturally regenerated stands of the studied tree species may be suitable alternatives to promote CO2 capture and increase timber production.

Tree Growth and Vegetation Diversity in Northern Idaho Forest Water Reclamation Facilities

Forest water reclamation can improve tree growth and renovate municipal wastewater. Although there are indications that long-term application may exceed forest assimilation capacity, there is limited information on the long-term effects of reclaimed water application on coniferous ecosystems. The purpose of our study was to assess the impacts of prolonged reclaimed water application on forest growth responses and vegetation diversity. We examined the effects of reclaimed water at five water reuse facilities established between 1978 and 2013 in a four-decade time series. We collected tree cores and stem measurements to determine current and retrospective increments. We assessed plant diversity with vegetation surveys. The greatest diameter response observed for reclaimed water amendment compared to controls was 166.1% for western redcedar, while Douglas-fir increased up to 116.4% and ponderosa pine increased up to 100.6%. The minimum response observed was 30.3%. Current annual increments showed that the basal area and volume were significantly greater at long-established facilities for reclaimed-water-amended plots. The understory vegetation diversity declined with application time, while overstory vegetation diversity increased with application time. We conclude that reclaimed water can be a valuable resource to improve forest productivity, but continued application without stocking control may have detrimental effects on forest growth and vegetation diversity.

Wood density variations of E. urophylla clone among growth sites are related to climate

The Eucalyptus genus is extensively planted in Brazil for industrial use, and with the expansion of forest frontiers and climate changes, studies are needed on how these changes affect wood density (WD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some climate variables on WD of an Eucalyptus urophylla clone for a 4–5 year period. WD from trees collected in 12 sites were evaluated. Five growth rings were identified using a magnifying glass, X-ray densitometry, and forest inventory. WD was correlated with temperature ( T), precipitation ( P), soil water deficit, ring width, and current annual increment. There was no variation in WD in the first 20 months among sites. From that age on, WD was mainly correlated with T ( r > 0.6). The 1 °C increase in T resulted in a WD reduction of 0.014 g cm−1, and increases of 10 m³ ha−1 in the final volume were related to an increase of 0.004 g cm−1 in WD. Researchers and managers should continue to put efforts into broad experimental networks to assess the effects of climate change on the adaptation and wood quality of Eucalyptus clones. Highlights The influence of climate on E. urophylla wood density was greater after the third year of growth. The mean air temperature was the best correlated climatic variable with E. urophylla wood density. The cross-site climatic gradient was more important in wood density variation of E. urophylla than the variability among the years.

Developing and Comparing Individual Tree Growth Models of Major Coniferous Species in South Korea Based on Stem Analysis Data

Tree growth in Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora, hereafter Pd), Korean white pine (Pinus koraiensis, hereafter Pk), and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi, hereafter Lk) was modeled using Logistic, Korf, Gompertz, Chapman-Richards, and Weibull equations and stem analysis data from sample trees: 38 trees for Pd, 46 trees for Pk, and 45 trees for Lk. The models were fitted to the total increment of tree size variables, diameter at breast height (DBH), height, basal area, and stem volume, as a function of age. After selecting the best-fit growth function, the current annual increment (CAI) and mean annual increment (MAI) were compared for each variable by species. The optimal growth functions were Chapman-Richards for DBH and stem volume, Korf for height, and Gompertz for basal area. The parameter estimates in the final models were all significant (p < 0.01) with best-fit statistics and unbiased residual plots. When plotted with observed values, the growth patterns of each variable were represented properly. The predicted growth curves over age were concave with respect to the Y-axis in DBH and height but lightly convex in basal area, and explicitly convex in stem volume, whereas an asymptote of sigmoid curve in stem volume was not apparent until 100 years. Age with the maximum MAI among variables was arranged similarly to CAI; the age with maximum MAI was earliest for DBH and latest for volume. The maximum growth was achieved earliest in Lk, followed by Pk and Pd. The developed models were able to predict tree size variables and serve as a reference to understand growth characteristics by species.

Wall-to-Wall Mapping of Forest Biomass and Wood Volume Increment in Italy

Several political initiatives aim to achieve net-zero emissions by the middle of the twenty-first century. In this context, forests are crucial as a carbon sink to store unavoidable emissions. Assessing the carbon sequestration potential of forest ecosystems is pivotal to the availability of accurate forest variable estimates for supporting international reporting and appropriate forest management strategies. Spatially explicit estimates are even more important for Mediterranean countries such as Italy, where the capacity of forests to act as sinks is decreasing due to climate change. This study aimed to develop a spatial approach to obtain high-resolution maps of Italian forest above-ground biomass (ITA-BIO) and current annual volume increment (ITA-CAI), based on remotely sensed and meteorological data. The ITA-BIO estimates were compared with those obtained with two available biomass maps developed in the framework of two international projects (i.e., the Joint Research Center and the European Space Agency biomass maps, namely, JRC-BIO and ESA-BIO). The estimates from ITA-BIO, JRC-BIO, ESA-BIO, and ITA-CAI were compared with the 2nd Italian NFI (INFC) official estimates at regional level (NUT2). The estimates from ITA-BIO are in good agreement with the INFC estimates (R2 = 0.95, mean difference = 3.8 t ha−1), while for JRC-BIO and ESA-BIO, the estimates show R2 of 0.90 and 0.70, respectively, and mean differences of 13.5 and of 21.8 t ha−1 with respect to the INFC estimates. ITA-CAI estimates are also in good agreement with the INFC estimates (R2 = 0.93), even if they tend to be slightly biased. The produced maps are hosted on a web-based forest resources management Decision Support System developed under the project AGRIDIGIT (ForestView) and represent a key element in supporting the new Green Deal in Italy, the European Forest Strategy 2030 and the Italian Forest Strategy.

Growth and Yield of Dragon Fruit in Aonla based Multistoried Fruit Production Model

The study was conducted at the aonla based agroforestry experimental field of the department of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University from June, 2019 to July, 2020 to develop a multistoried food production model for the terrace ecosystem of Bangladesh. The experiment was carried out under twenty years old aonla orchard which was considered as upper storied component, while two minor fruits namely carambola and lemon were used as middle storied component. Dragon fruit was the test crop grown in the alley of tree lines. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Three different production systems (T1: aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit, T2: aonla + dragon fruit, and T3: dragon fruit as sole) were considered as the three different levels of factor A. Two dragon fruit genotypes i.e. red fleshed dragon fruit (V1), and white fleshed dragon fruit (V2) were considered as the two levels of factor B. Red fleshed genotype produced the highest plant height, maximum number of branches and fruit yield compared to those of white fleshed genotype irrespective of treatment combinations. Total height increment, mean annual increment and current annual increment of plant height were found maximum in red fleshed genotype in multistoried conditions. A negative linear relationship was observed between plant height and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) but a positive linear relationship was noticed between the yield of dragon fruit and PAR. The highest Land Equivalent Ratio was observed in aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit with white fleshed genotype. The result revealed that red fleshed dragon fruit genotype was found suitable for partial shade conditions like aonla tree and successfully grown without scarifying the significant yield loss compared to that of the open field.

GROWTH MODELS FOR Araucaria angustifolia (BERTOL.) KUNTZE IN DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL GRADIENTS IN THE STATE OF SANTA CATARINA

The growth of one or more individuals in a forest is variable with the biotic and abiotic conditions of the environment. Therefore, the objective of this article was to obtain the age and growth estimates of Araucaria angustifolia, in different altitude gradients of occurrence of the species, and to identify the culmination points in the basal area. The study covered three areas with Araucaria Forest in Santa Catarina state, considering different altitudes of occurrence of the species. Non-destructive samples were collected from 226 trees, 76, 73 and 77 trees in areas 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Using the time series, diametric growth models were adjusted, allowing to obtain the curves of current annual increment and average annual increment. In area 1, the age range of the samples was 174 years, in area 2, it was 170 years and in area 3, it was 42 years. The average annual increment for areas 1, 2 and 3 were 0.33 cm, 0.51 cm and 1.01 cm, respectively. Araucaria manages to reach a high growth potential when it is in better development conditions (soil, nutrients, light…).Keywords: Araucaria forest. Dendrochronology. Altitude.

Balancing stand productivity and wood quality in chestnut coppices using chronosequence approach and productivity model

Trade-offs between high stand productivity and good wood quality exist for chestnut coppices and related wood-based products. The main objective of this study was to determine the most suitable duration (in years) of cutting cycles that maximizes stand productivity and preserve wood quality of chestnut coppices in a Mediterranean setting. To this aim, a stand-level growth model was developed to verify if wood quality of chestnut coppices at different stand ages varies when the rotation period is modified. Wood quality and stand productivity were analysed, using a chronosequence approach, in coppice stands in Southern Italy characterized by four cutting cycles (15, 25, 30, and 50 years). Results implied that the culmination of the mean annual increment occurs at 28 years, while the current annual increment culminates 10 years earlier. The MOEd values revealed a negative correlation with shoot age; however, a cutting cycle between 25 and 30 years might represent the best compromise for balancing stand productivity and wood quality. Results are discussed in the context of adaptive forest management.

Relationship between the xylem maturation process based on radial variations in wood properties and radial growth increments of stems in a fast-growing tree species, Liriodendron tulipifera

Promoting wood utilization from fast-growing tree species is one solution to address supply and demand issues relating to wood resources while sequestering carbon dioxide in large quantities. Information on the quality of wood from fast-growing tree species and its relationship with changes in stem size is essential for promoting the establishment of plantations and wood utilization of fast-growing tree species. To explore the relationship between the xylem maturation process and radial growth increments of stems in fast-growing tree species, we examined radial variations in annual ring widths and wood properties in Liriodendron tulipifera in Japan. The cambial ages at which current annual increment and mean annual increment values were greatest were 4.9 years and 7.4 years, respectively. Based on radial variations evaluated by mixed-effects modeling of wood properties, all properties increased or decreased near the pith before becoming stable towards the cambium. Changing ratios of multiple wood properties at 1-year intervals became stable after a cambial age of 9 years. These results point to an ecological strategy in L. tulipifera, in which there is a tradeoff between radial growth increments and wood properties. As part of this strategy, in response to competition among individual trees within a stand, the tree produces a large volume of xylem with lower physical and mechanical properties, allowing it to increase its volume faster than that of the surrounding trees. Subsequently, it produces xylem that is more stable, with greater physical and mechanical properties. This wood forms at a slower growth rate compared to the xylem that forms at the time of initial tree growth. Based on the ecological strategy adopted by L. tulipifera, wood that forms before a cambial age of 9 years can be used for utility applications, and wood that forms after a cambial age of 9 years can be used for structural applications.