Characteristics of mature and declininα trees.
| Character | Mature tree | Declining tree |
|---|---|---|
| Shoot elongation— | ||
| extent | normal for species | greatly reduced |
| pattern | normal for species | single flush only |
| Crown form | normal—some loss of apical control | stag-headed, die-back |
| Foliage development | normal | reduced size and density |
| Foliage retention (evergreens) | normal | poor |
| Presence of epicormic shoots | generally absent | present |
| Compartmentalization response | normal for species | reduced |
| Wound-wood formation | normal for species | inhibited/reduced |
| Integrity of bark | strong | weak |
| Susceptibility to parasites | normal for species | increased |
| Reproductive behavior | normal, may be cyclic | may produce stress crops |
| Stress response | normal | reduced |
| Fall coloration | normal | premature |