Trees are shaped by their growing environment. By better understanding and describing the effect that the environment has on tree form, wood physical and mechanical properties we can make better recommendations for management of crops, inform the public about the nature of trees and provide some foresight into the effects of changing or extreme climatic events on current and future timber crops. Much of our work focusses on how the growing environment influences the development of individuals and stands of trees.

Factors affecting shake defects in timber

Investigating the various factors that influence the development of shakes in standing sessile and pedunculate oaks.

Modelling the origins of fractures in living trees.

ForestGALES

Wind damage is a major threat to economic management of forests in Britain. ForestGALES is a computer based decision support tool that we have developed to enable forest managers to estimate the probability of wind damage to any conifer stand in Britain.