Wind acclimation in a subtropical forest: trees on wind-exposed slopes are shorter with smaller crowns

Abstract

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• Tree architecture is an important component of forest community dynamics – taller trees with larger crowns often outcompete their neighbors, but they are generally at higher risk of wind-induced damage. Yet, we know little about wind impacts on tree architecture in natural forest settings, especially in complex tropical forests. Here, we use airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and 30 yr of forest inventory data in Puerto Rico to ask whether and how chronic winds alter tree architecture.
• We randomly sampled 124 canopy individuals of four dominant tree species (n = 22–39). For each individual, we measured slenderness (height/stem diameter) and crown area (m²) and evaluated whether exposure to chronic winds impacted architecture after accounting for topography (curvature, elevation, slope, and soil wetness) and neighborhood variables (crowding and previous hurricane damage). We then estimated the mechanical wind vulnerability of trees.
• Three of four species grew significantly shorter (2–4 m) and had smaller crown areas in sites exposed to chronic winds. A short-lived pioneer species, by contrast, showed no evidence of wind-induced changes.
• We found that three species' architectural acclimation to chronic winds resulted in reduced vulnerability. Our findings demonstrate that exposure to chronic, nonstorm winds can lead to architectural changes in tropical trees, reducing height and crown areas.