Here on the east coast we have had an exceptionally wet growing season and the trees have gone through at least five or six growth spurts compared to the normal two or three.
I have seen the weak branches and trees fail. Dose anyone know what other good or bad effects the adnomal growth could or will have the tree in the future?
Thanks
Richard

Reply to post by Richard Pratt, on September 12, 2000 at 12:47:20:

Hi, Richard. Not sure what the future may hold for these trees. The wood may be a little soft to hold heavy snow or ice. Once they get another seaon's growth they should be OK again, as they thicken up.

My river birch put on 47 inches (so far) and a kousa dogwood has 38 inches of terminal growth. Metasequoia= about 52 inches. Wonder if I should fertilize it???

Reply to post by Richard Pratt, on September 12, 2000 at 12:47:20:


Why should the growth be described as excessive? "Normal" can be expected to differ significantly when conditions are different. That "abnormal" growth may be quite typical for the same species in a sub-tropical setting with similar rains.

Are we also mixing our growths? Apical and cambial? Leaf production?

I might suggest that terminal extension, if that is what we are describing, has little to do with branch strength if we are thinking in terms of a few years. The elongation of a branch tip is a very separate and localized process. Indeed, a tree may just be taking advantage of this year's good conditions in following the long held maxim that trees try to reach further and higher in their competition with other trees.

The "suspect" trees will invariably add diameter to the branches in successive years; that almost goes without saying. And it is through that diameter increase that strength is increased. The consequences of fast or slow growth in that realm are still a long way from being understood.

Putting on some additional length now, is an opportunity perhaps that may not occur again in the upcoming seasons and I've always been impressed with how smart trees can be.

I don't get a sense that structural weaknesses and flaws will be the result of what is observed and discussed here. Then again, what do I know?


Tubs in darkness