Life Sciences Commons^™

Examining Methodologies To Assess Abrasion In Tree Crowns, Tyler Matt Lynn Brannon

Masters Theses

New methodologies were explored to determine if crown abrasion affects shoot elongation of preformed and sustained growth form species during stand development. Bud growth form differences can influence which species’ buds are abraded or broken upon impact with adjoining crowns affecting crown growth. Analysis of branch elongation, apical bud toughness and tree sway were investigated in this study. Branch elongation was measured on crowns where growth was inhibited by crowns of adjacent trees and on crowns where growth is uninhibited. Bud mass was also measured. Bud toughness by species’ shoot growth form was evaluated using a pendulum impact tester for …