Historical (1749-1899) vs. present-day sugar maple and beech diameter growth in the northeast

William Leak

doi:10.2737/NRS-RP-16

Treesearch

Historical (1749-1899) vs. present-day sugar maple and beech diameter growth in the northeast

Informally Refereed

Authors:

William Leak

Year:

2011

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-RP-16

Source:

Res. Pap. NRS-16. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 4 p.

Download (PDF 1.57 MB)

Download (PDF 1.57 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/39420.pdf

Abstract

Possible environmental impacts in the Northeast from climate change, acid deposition, nutrient depletion, and other factors could retard tree growth and development in the northeastern United States. To gain insight into growth trends before the 20th century, approximately 150 years of radial growth records taken in 1899 on sugar maple and beech were examined and compared with recent published growth rates. Although additional comparative research is needed, there is little evidence of declines in growth rates since 1899.

Keywords

Dbh, growth, sugar maple, beech, growth decline, historical growth rates

Citation

Leak, William B. 2011. Historical (1749-1899) vs present-day sugar maple and beech diameter growth in the northeast. Res. Pap. NRS-16. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 4 p.