The research on height growth of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), whitebeam (Sorbus aria), and wild cherry (Prunus avium) was conducted in a submontane beech forest in the Zasavje region, Slovenia. The objectives were to study i) species-specific differences in tree height growth during thicket stage and ii) the influence of social status on growth dynamics. A total of 22 trees were randomly selected, with tree species samples ranging from one to eight trees. Weekly measurements of terminal shoot height growth were recorded from April to the end of August 2023, along with annual diameter growth measurements at breast height and root collar. Results indicated the highest annual height growth for spruce (34 cm/year), whitebeam (39 cm/year), and cherry (35 cm/year). Beech exhibited an average growth of 30 cm/year, followed by sycamore maple at 27 cm/year. The smallest growth was recorded for European ash (20 cm/year), which was significantly reduced due to the ash dieback damage. Seasonal dynamics varied significantly among tree species. In beech and most other species, only one growth spurt was detected, while wild cherry and whitebeam exhibited growth in two growth spurts. The analysis confirmed differences in social status, as on average dominant trees grew 12 cm taller than suppressed trees. These findings provide valuable insights into interspecies interactions in the thicket stage and represent the basic knowledge for employment of silvicultural measures.
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