Over several years, the potential added value from further growth may be reduced by changes in wood grain patterns caused by these epicormic branches. Variation in tree injury and response In surviving trees, all broken branches and stems are compartmentalized with varying degrees of effectiveness. The least effective compartmentalization and the greatest amounts of wood discoloration are in paper and yellow birch, with intermediate amounts found in red maple, and the least amounts of wood discoloration in sugar maple and white ash. The greatest damage is in trees with previous injuries such as those caused by logging. Compartmentalization is most effective for wounds located adjacent to a vigorous, healthy branch.
Healthy branches supply energy to resist the spread of discoloration and infection.
In most cases, the progress of wood discoloration and decay in surviving trees is a slow process. Assessments of injury and predictions of damage require examining the whole tree, the remaining crown, and previous stem injuries and infections. In conclusion, storm injury is a recurring feature in northeastern forests. Survival strategies of injured trees include sprouting to replace foliage and compartmentalization to resist the spread of infection. In surviving trees, reductions in wood quality and value frequently take years to develop.