Oak Aging Research Articles

Variability and determinants of vascular plant species composition in patches of old managed oak forest stands dispersed within Scots pine monocultures

In the temperate zone of Europe, Scots pine forests are expected to occupy the poorest habitats which are unfavourable for deciduous trees. However, as a result of deforestation of the most fertile habitats and the preference for Pinus sylvestris in silviculture, pine forests have become the dominant feature of the landscape in Central Europe. As a result, the area of optimal habitat for deciduous forest flora has been significantly reduced. Nevertheless, remnant patches of deciduous forest persist as habitat islands within extensive pine forest complexes and may serve as important refugia for meso- and eutrophilic forest species. However, the factors that contribute to the variation in species composition of such habitat islands and their role in maintaining biodiversity remain poorly understood. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap.The studied deciduous (oak) stands exhibited a diverse vegetation, with species composition influenced by overstorey attributes, oak age, patch location, and the area and circularity of the deciduous forest. Species traits related to environmental variables included mainly preferences for closed or open forests, requirements for soil moisture, reaction, and fertility, and requirements for light conditions. The key message from our research is that oak islands are not simply patches of trees that are different from the surrounding area. Instead, they represent distinct plant communities that have developed to adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions by recruiting species with particular traits. The presence of oak islands within Scots pine monocultures is therefore important for increasing the diversity of the forest complex.The most relevant recommendation from our research for forest management is to maintain as many patches of deciduous tree stands as possible within a single pine forest complex, as even small habitat islands can make a significant contribution to the biodiversity of the forest complex.

Acorn production of pedunculate oak in northeast of Ukraine

Abstract We analysed the quantity and quality of Quercus robur L. acorns after years with a very poor yield under the canopy of natural oak stands of various compositions, ages and stock densities in the northeastern part of Ukraine. We determined the mass of 1,000 healthy and damaged acorns of the current year. The levels of variability were estimated for the number and mass of acorns under the canopy of the studied stands. The dependences of the number of acorns on the age of oak stands and their stock density were studied. The total number of acorns under the canopy of natural oak stands was 9,900–19,000 seeds per hectare with a total mass of 26.8–54.1 kg per hectare in 2020 and 8,600–17,200 seeds per hectare with a total mass of 22.7–48.4 kg per hectare in 2021. The proportion of damaged acorns was about 70% both in 2020 and 2021. The largest number of acorns was concentrated under healthy trees (without signs of decline) that had a well-developed crown and, therefore, received more sunlight and heat. The identified quantitative and qualitative estimates and acorn spreading pattern need to be considered when selecting sites for further natural seed regeneration in old-aged oak stands.

Rhizosphere soil properties and microbial biomass changes with the chronosequence of stand age of broadleaf banj oak and coniferous deodar forests in the central Himalaya, India

This research investigates the changes in rhizosphere soil (RS) properties in a chronosequence of the stand age of banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Campus) and deodar (Cedrus deodara D. Don) forests in the Kumaon Himalaya, India. Tree individuals of different girth classes (young, mature and old) were cored for tree age estimation using increment borer at breast height (1.37 m). Soil samples were collected in triplicate using a cubical section (15 × 15 × 15 cm) underneath the soil surface. Soil tightly adhered to the roots was brushed off on a paper bag and considered RS. Soil moisture content, pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) were analyzed. Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc was used to test the significant difference among the stand age and between species. SOC and MBC increased significantly (p < 0.05) from juvenile to mature and declined in old age, while TN and MBN decreased from juvenile to old age. SOC/TN ratios increased from juvenile to mature stand age, suggesting that plants require more nitrogen for canopy growth in mature stand age. PCA results reflected a strong coupling between juvenile age and MBN/TN ratio, confirming the higher accumulation of nitrogen in the living biomass of microbes. However, MBC/SOC and MBN/TN decreased with the stand age, reflecting that during the initial phase of growth, the microbial community requires more C and N for ecosystem functioning and development. MBC/MBN ratio increased from juvenile to mature stand age, indicating the nitrogen-poor litter quality in mature and old stand age. Overall, forest stand ages can significantly impact RS properties and microbial biomass. These changes can have important implications for ecosystem function and services such as nutrient cycling, water regulation, and carbon sequestration.

Modifications in aroma characteristics of ‘Merlot’ dry red wines aged in American, French and Slovakian oak barrels with different toasting degrees

Aging in oak barrels is widely used in enology which could bring flavor changes and aromatic complexity to wines. In the present study, the aroma compounds were analyzed from the ‘Merlot’ dry red wines, which were fermented in two types of fermenters (stainless steel tank and rotated oak barrel) and aged in six types of oak barrels (three geographic origins × two toasting degrees) for different time (0, 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively). Results showed that 30 volatiles were associated with barrels and increased during oak aging. The fermenters could influence the intensities of the toast, leathery, smoky, fruity, floral and caramel aromas. The concentration of whisky lactone, eugenol, cis-isoeugenol, and the intensities of the toast and spicy aromas were highest in the wines aged in American oak and were lowest in the wines aged in French oak barrels. The concentrations of guaiacol, syringol, trans-isoeugenol, furfural alcohol, vanilla, cis-whisky lactone enabled the medium toasting barrels to be distinguished from the light toasting ones. The compounds originating from the barrels could be used to distinguish the types of different barrels, but the other general grape-derived and fermentation-derived volatiles could not. The fermenters, oak species and toasting degrees of the barrels all had significant effects on the aroma profiles of the aged ‘Merlot’ dry red wines, but the influence of the geographic origin was not obvious.

Replacement of SO2 with an Unripe Grape Extract and Chitosan during Oak Aging: Case Study of a Sangiovese Wine.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of a Sangiovese wine aged in barrique with the addition of an unripe grape extract (UGE) as an alternative to sulfur dioxide. Three samples were considered: control wine (TQ) with free SO2 of approximately 15 mg/L; sample A with chitosan (100 mg/L) and UGE (200 mg/L); and sample B with UGE (400 mg/L). The results achieved in this work demonstrated that the UGE, either alone or in combination with chitosan, was able to maintain the color characteristics of the Sangiovese wine and its sensory quality. Moreover, the addition of UGE contributed to an early and better stabilization of the color through the formation of polymeric pigments. The microbiological stabilization was comparable to SO2 when UGE was used at 200 mg/L in combination with chitosan. The market survey conducted in the present study confirmed how the use of UGE as an alternative to sulfitation was positively accepted by consumers, who are increasingly attentive not only to the quality of the wines they select but also to the sustainability of the production processes from which they derive and to the fact that they are not harmful to human health.

Application of ultrasounds to improve oak aging of white wines

Increasing the efficiency of the release for certain compounds during the maturation of some wines in the presence of oak chips is an important topic for oenology research. This study followed the influence of the use of ultrasound waves with a frequency of 35 kHz on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of some white wines from Iasi, Romania. Oak chips (1 g/L and 2 g/L, fresh, light, and medium toasted) were added to the Fetească regală and Sauvignon blanc stabilized wines. The samples were kept at a constant temperature of 15oC for 10 and 15 days, respectively. For comparison, 15 mins. ultrasound-treated samples were used. It has been observed that this technique in addition to reducing the aging time, significantly influences the organoleptic characteristics of the treated wines. New ways to continue research to clarify, optimize and streamline the methods of artificial aging of wines have also been identified.

Influence of Ageing on Abrasion Volume Loss, Density, and Structural Components of Subfossil Oak

Subfossil oak wood has spent centuries or millennia in the aquatic medium (rivers, lakes, bogs, etc.) and, due to water anoxic conditions, its decomposition is very slow. As a result of its long residing in specific conditions, its chemical composition, appearance, as well as mechanical and tribological properties have changed. Because of its aesthetic and mechanical properties, subfossil wood is very attractive and often used to produce valuable objects. The main objective of this study was to test how abrasion wear resistance of subfossil oak is affected by ageing. The effects of ageing on wood density and on the structure of lignin and cellulose were tested, as well as the loss of volume during abrasion in correlation with these changes. A study was conducted on samples of recent (regular) pedunculate oak wood and on six subfossil pedunculate oak samples in the age range of 890 and nearly 6000 years. Abrasion wear resistance was expressed through the loss of volume recorded using the Taber abraser. The smallest abrasion volume loss was measured for the recent oak specimens. Linear regression analyses showed that there was a very strong negative linear relationship between the age of subfossil oak and its abrasion volume loss. There was also a strong, but positive and significant linear correlation between subfossil oak age and density. Ageing also affected the structural composition of wood. Results obtained by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy indicated a reduction of the relative crystalline fraction of subfossil wood in recent oak. The degradation of lignin in subfossil oak samples progressed more slowly over time than cellulose degradation. There was a negative correlation between age and the ratio of cellulose and lignin degradation; however, that relationship was found statistically insignificant. Similar results were obtained for the relationship between abrasion wear resistance and changes in the structural composition of the studied samples of subfossil oak wood.

Oak wood offers a wide range of tools for wine aging, which one to choose?

The phenolic, aromatic and sensory evolution of a red wine under different oak aging conditions was evaluated. Neither phenolic nor fruity aromatic contents and profiles were impacted by the aging container or the derived oak products used. Meanwhile, a different woody aroma content was observed depending on the exposed wood area to wine volume ratio. From a sensory point of view, higher smoky, vanilla and/or spicy flavours were identified for all oak-aged wines when compared to the control (stainless steel tank), but they were all perceived as being as fruity as the control.

Impact of oak wood modalities on the (non)-volatile composition and sensory attributes of red wines

During fermentation or ageing of wines, oak wood is commonly used in form of barrels, casks or derived oak products (chips, winewoods, tankstaves, among others). It is well known that aroma, structure, astringency, bitterness, aromatic persistence and colour may change as a result of wine‒wood contact. A full-scale experimentation was performed under different oak ageing conditions in order to evaluate colour, phenolic, aromatic and sensory differences among final red wines (9‒months ageing). Oenological parameters and wine colour were not impacted by ageing modality. At the end of ageing, no differences were found in total phenolic and tannin contents. Regardless of the ageing modality, total content and profile of fruity volatiles were globally maintained with regard to control (≥ 86 %). In contrast, the higher the surface of wine‒wood contact per unit of wine volume, the greater the extraction of woody aromas. Thus, barrels led to wines with the highest level of woody aromas (515‒864 µg/L), followed by cask modalities (430‒470 µg/L). From a sensory point of view, descriptors highlighting the woody character of wine (vanilla, spicy) were enhanced in all oak‒aged wines when compared to control. However, our results indicate that a masking effect of fruity aroma by oak wood did not occur, since all modalities were perceived as fruity as the control. Thus, each oak ageing modality may lead to wines with a different woody character, without no impact on fruity perception, allowing wineries to achieve the targeted aromatic profile, good structure and just the right balance between fruity and woody aromas.

The dendrometric characteristics of oak woods in rural landscapes of the East Carpathians

The dendrometric characteristics are functions of tree age and ecological growth conditions. On relatively small areas of homogeneous sites, the stand age structure and the phytosocial interaction between the trees are the major factors influencing the stand characteristics. We hypothesise that the correlation between the basic dendrometric variables and tree age can be used as a yardstick discriminating silvopastoral oak woods from silvicultural stands managed for timber. The tree age, diameter at breast height (DBH), and height (H) were determined in 14 silvopastoral oak woods in the East Carpathian region, which were compared to the respective forest inventory data of 31 silvicultural oak stands. The correlation between DBH, H and their ratio – the slenderness index (si) and age of oaks – were very weak and insignificant compared to the conspicuous age effect on the dendrometric features in the forestry-grown stands, which can be explained by a more complex development dynamics and spatial structure of silvopastoral woods. The study implies that the habitat conditions and processes related to traditional husbandry are better harmonised with the intrinsic oak ecological adaptations than modern silvicultural treatments. Therefore, we advise to promote the revival of silvopastoralism in the Carpathian region as a cost-efficient way of perpetuating the rural ‘oakscape’, an outstanding bio-cultural landscape asset. Keywords: slenderness index, height-diameter, oak, cultural landscape, agroforestry, cattle grazing, wood-pastures

Preliminary study of the mycorrhizal community according to the age of the Afares oak (Quercus afares) of the Akfadou forest, Algeria

Preliminary study of the mycorrhizal community according to the age of the Afares oak (Quercus afares) of the Akfadou forest, Algeria

The first data on the study of Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) in Kherson region of Ukraine

Oak lace bug (OLB) Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Heteroptera: Tingidae) is native to North America. In 2000 it got to Italy and has spread for recent 20 years in many countries in Europe. In 2017 OLB first registered in Kherson region of Ukraine. The aim of the research was to summarize the first data on oak lace bug spread in Ukraine. The studies were carried out in 2020 at 31 sample plots in the south-western part of the Kherson region (46°10 ' to 47°21' N, 32°10' to 33°05' E). The sample plots were located in forest stands, shelterbelts, and oaks in cities. The age of inspected stands is from 25 to 250 years old.&#x0D; The presence of oak lace bug and the threat to oak trees was assessed by a point system: 0 – OLB is absent; 1 – single, one egg mass per whole plot; 2 – rare, below 10% of trees damaged; 3 – common, OLB presents not in all trees, foliage damage up to 50%; 4 – widespread, OLB presents in all trees, foliage damage up to 100%. The weighted average score of OLB presence was evaluated for different groups of stands and some of their characteristics.&#x0D; The specimens of OLB and the traces of their vital activity were found at 19 sample plots (61,3%). At 51.6% of sample plots examined the OLB was common or widespread. The pest is widespread at 8 sample plots, including oaks in cities Kherson, Oleshki, and Hola Prystan, Doslidne forestry of the Steppe branch of Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry &amp; Forest Melioration named after G.M. Vysotsky (URIFFM) and Burkutske forestry of the Velikokopanske Forest &amp; Hunting Enterprise.&#x0D; Mean OLB score is higher in forests than in shelterbelts and has a trend to increase with oak age. The highest OLB infestation was assessed in the sample plots neighbouring city streets and forest roads and in the sample plots near the waterway. The proportion of SP with common and widespread OLB from all inhabited plots near city streets, forest roads, and waterways exceeds 80%.&#x0D; The data obtained can be considered preliminary, since the reproduction, distribution, and settlement of the oak lace bug in the territory of the Kherson region began only 2 years ago.

Did forest fires maintain mixed oak forests in southern Scandinavia? A dendrochronological speculation

In northern Europe, a long history of human exploitation effectively eliminated legacies of natural disturbances in mixed oak forests and we currently lack understanding of the role of natural disturbance factors in affecting oak regeneration into the forest canopies. We compiled dendrochronological, observational and paleochronological data from Southern Sweden to discuss the role of forest fires in oak (Quercus spp.) dynamics. We analyzed oak age structure and its growth dynamics in six southern Swedish forests, which experienced fires between 42 and 158 years prior to our sampling. Extending our analysis over longer time frames, we studied the relationship between sediment charcoal and oak pollen in an area of south-eastern Sweden, where oak has been a common canopy species. In three of the study sites, forest fires resulted in increased oak regeneration. Although fires were generally not associated with a wave of growth releases in surviving trees, the mean basal area growth rate of oaks increased by a range of 108% to 176%, following the fires. The overall pattern indicated that historical fires in oak-dominated forests were of low severity, did not kill canopy oaks, and yet provided a window of regeneration opportunities for that species. Post-fire sprouting of oak and an increase in oak seedling densities following modern prescribed fires are consistent with this explanation. Consistent with this conclusion were significant positive correlations between charcoal concentration and the oak pollen percentage in a site in southeastern Sweden. We discuss the co-occurrence of oak and pine in the historical southern Swedish landscape, as a possible analogy to eastern North American oak-pine forests. Modern conservation policies aimed at the preservation of oak in the southern Swedish landscape should consider the use of low severity fires to maintain natural oak regeneration.

Аналіз лісотаксаційної структури дубових лісостанів Західного Лісостепу

Проаналізовано особливості поширення дубових деревостанів у Західному Лісостепу України. Здійснено аналіз лісотипологічної структури деревостанів за участю дуба звичайного (Quercus robur L.) в умовах Західноукраїнського лісостепового лісогосподарського округу. Досліджено структуру площ дубових лісостанів у розрізі едатопів та типів лісу, вивчено їх бонітетну та повнотну структуру, склад та походження. Встановлено, що найбільша частка дубових лісостанів Західного Лісостепу зосереджена у грудових умовах – 79,3 %. Сугрудові типи лісорослинних умов становлять 20,5 % від площі дубових лісостанів. За ступенем зволоження ґрунтів, дуб звичайний, на теренах Західноукраїнського лісостепового лісогосподарського округу, віддає перевагу свіжим умовам, де зосереджено 65,6 % дубових лісостанів регіону. Встановлено, що у досліджуваному регіоні дуб звичайний бере участь у формуванні 47 типів лісу, з них у 19 виступає як типотвірна порода. Більшість дубових деревостанів має І клас бонітету (49,9 %) і значна частина (35,7 %) насаджень – ІІ. Середній бонітет становить І,3. Дубові деревостани у Західному Лісостепу, в основній масі, є середньоповнотними. Їх середня повнота становить 0,73. Найбільша частка (39,3 %) приурочена до повноти 0,7. Частка середньоповнотних деревостанів загалом становить 55,9 % від площі дубових лісів досліджуваного регіону. Питома вага високоповнотних насаджень у повнотній структурі дубових лісостанів Західноукраїнського лісостепового лісогосподарського округу становить 42,3 %. Виявлено, що у дубових лісостанах Західного Лісостепу за складом переважають насадження, де дуба у складі тільки 4 одиниці – 20 % від загальної площі. Середній коефіцієнт участі дуба у складі насаджень – 5,7. Вікова структура дубових лісів Західного Лісостепу є нерівномірною, із значною перевагою середньовікових деревостанів – 54,2 %. Стиглі деревостани займають тільки 8,0 % площі дубових лісів Західного Лісостепу. Середній вік дубових лісостанів Західноукраїнського лісостепового лісогосподарського округу – 61,2 років. З'ясовано, що у досліджуваному регіоні переважають (69,5 %) штучні насадження, створені, зазвичай, садінням лісових культур. Природні насінні дубові деревостани становлять 27,3 % від площі дубових лісів Західного Лісостепу, деревостани вегетативного природного походження – 3,2 %.

A history of varying methods for determining tree age in Estonia with emphasis on oak

Abstract This paper explores the history of age detection of trees, especially the age history of oak trees, throughout two centuries in Estonia. It was already in the beginning of the 19th century when relations between the size and age of oaks in northern Latvia (previous Livonian province) were described. The paper explains how the species concept of Quercus robur developed over time in the past and points out discussions on the existence of two varieties Q. robur L. var. tardiflora Czern and Q. robur L. var. praecox Czern. It also states that thanks to the use of the increment borer, the first dendrochronological studies were carried out in Estonia in the 1920s. Dendrochronological research in the Soviet Union began in the 1950s with Lithuania being the leading country in the field headed by Teodaras Bitvinskas. In Estonia, research was continued in the 1960s until now. The paper takes a look at the life of Mart Rohtla who introduced the method of determining tree age according to tree bark, presents his standpoints on oaks and critically assesses these. A comparative assessment is given on the ages of oak and lime trees found according to the tree-ring method and bark increment method. The great ages of the oaks and limes found by applying the bark increments method are doubted and considered unreliable. However, the age of the surface layers of the bark of oaks and limes needs clarification in the future.

Evolution of Polyphenolic Compounds and Sensory Properties of Wines Obtained from Grenache Grapes Treated by Pulsed Electric Fields during Aging in Bottles and in Oak Barrels.

The evolution of polyphenolic compounds and sensory properties of wines obtained from Grenache grapes, either untreated or treated with pulsed electric fields (PEF), in the course of bottle aging, as well as during oak aging followed by bottle aging, were compared. Immediately prior to aging in bottles or in barrels, enological parameters that depend on phenolic extraction during skin maceration were higher when grapes had been treated with PEF. In terms of color intensity, phenolic families, and individual phenols, the wine obtained with grapes treated by PEF followed an evolution similar to untreated control wine in the course of aging. Sensory analysis revealed that the application of a PEF treatment resulted in wines that are sensorially different: panelists preferred wines obtained from grapes treated with PEF. Physicochemical and sensory analyses showed that grapes treated with PEF are suitable for obtaining wines that require aging in bottles or in oak barrels.

Isolation of Taste-Active Triterpenoids from Quercus robur: Sensory Assessment and Identification in Wines and Spirit.

Six new triterpenoids (1-6), two known genins (7 and 8), and five known functionalized triterpenoids (9-13) were isolated from a Quercus robur heartwood extract. The purification protocol was guided by LC-HRMS by searching for structural analogues of bartogenic acid on the basis of their putative empirical formula. The structures of the new compounds were unequivocally elucidated using HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR experiments. Sensory analyses were performed in water and in a non-oaked white wine on the pure compounds 1-13 at 5 mg/L. All molecules were perceived as bitter in water and wine, but they were mostly reported as modifying the wine taste balance. Using LC-HRMS, compounds 1-13 were observed in oaked red wine and cognac and were semiquantified in oak wood extracts. The influence of two cooperage parameters, oak species and toasting process, on compounds 1-13 content was studied. All compounds were found in quantities significantly higher in pedunculate than in sessile oak wood. Toasting is a key step in barrel manufacture and modulates the concentration of the discussed compounds. Significantly higher quantities were observed in untoasted wood compared to medium or highly toasted wood. These findings provide new insights into the molecular origin of taste changes due to oak aging.

The influence of music on the perception of oaked wines – a tasting room case study in the U.S. Finger Lakes Region

ABSTRACTInnovative wine makers and marketers increasingly see the consumers’ multisensory experience in the tasting room as a means of differentiating themselves from the competition. With recent research demonstrating the influence of music on the wine-tasting experience, the present study introduced music as a unique aspect of a VIP tasting room experience at a family-owned Finger Lakes winery. A convenience sample of 46 participants tasted four oaked still wines (2 white, 2 red) in silence and with a complementary soundtrack, and rated the fruitiness, spiciness, and smoothness of each wine in both sound conditions. Undisclosed to the participants, the soundtrack had been designed to bring to mind woody/spiced elements of oak ageing. It was hypothesised that listening to the oak soundtrack would alter the evaluation of the wines to be smoother and spicier. The results revealed that the wines tasted while the soundtrack were playing in the background were rated as significantly fruitier and smoother than the same wines when tasted in silence. These results are discussed in terms of the literature on crossmodal correspondences and the emotional mediation account. Moreover, the positive feedback from the attendees showcases music as a viable component of a multisensory experience when visiting a winery.

Natural durability of subfossil oak: wood chemical composition changes through the ages

Abstract In recent years, subfossil oak has become increasingly popular, particularly in the manufacture of small wooden products. Due to the long period of its underground preservation, detailed knowledge of its properties is essential to properly use this material. In this study, subfossil oak samples dated to approximately 1000, 2000 and 3000 years BP and recent oak samples were chemically analyzed to determine the contents of extractives, the main wood components, and inorganic elements. The results were then evaluated in light of their natural durability. The mass loss of subfossil oak was 2–3 times lower than that of the recent sample, but the age of the subfossil oak itself had no influence on its durability. The long-term leaching process of water-soluble ellagitannins, together with their hydrolysis and bonding in ferric tannate complexes, were responsible for the decreased durability. The oldest subfossil oak had the lowest amount of phenolic compounds and the highest content of inorganic elements. Optical emission spectrometry proved an increase in inorganic elements 5–7 times higher than recent oak content, with the highest increase found for calcium and iron. Compared to recent oaks, subfossil oaks manifested decreased content of carbohydrates and correspondingly increased lignin content. Our results revealed that subfossil oak cannot be considered a suitable material for exterior use under aerobic conditions.

Effects of initial plant density, interspecific competition, tending and age on the survival and quality of oak (Quercus robur L.) in young mixed stands in European Russia

Due to a lack of oak seeds and planting material at the north-eastern limit of the distribution range of European oak forests (study area: Republic of Tatarstan, Russia), the high initial plant densities typical of oak stands established in central Europe for the production of valuable timber is not feasible in this region. In Russia, the low numbers of oak trees in planted stands (about 4500 oaks/ha) are complemented by abundant natural regeneration of admixed tree species. In this study, the chronosequence method was used to determine the probability of survival and the quality development of young oaks (10–27 years) in Tatarstan as a factor of initial plant numbers, interspecific competition (lime, maple, hazel), oak age and tending measures. The results provided by LMM and GLMM models revealed that the probability of oak survival rises with increasing initial oak plant density and tending, and declines with increasing competitive pressure of maple. While the competition exerted by all admixed tree species had a negative effect on oak growth parameters, it had a positive effect on important oak quality parameters (e.g., diameter and height of the thickest branches, branch-free bole length). However, a positive impact of high initial plant density on oak quality was reduced by strong interspecific competition. Age had a positive effect on oak quality development, and tending a negative effect.The findings of this study demonstrate that the competitive pressure of admixed tree species can successfully compensate for the positive effects of oak intraspecific competition on oak quality, and may therefore be exploited by forest managers as a means to reduce the cost of oak establishment by using lower plant numbers without risking any loss of oak quality.