Effects of Fire Effects of Fire in the Northern Great Plains Effects of Fire of Trees Woodlands in the NGP occur along streams and rivers, in draws, and in isolated localities having favorable moisture. Fire often kills the tops of aspen, but regeneration from root suckers takes place quickly after burning. Most deciduous woodland species in the NGP exist at the edge of their ranges. Even on favorable sites, woody plants live under stressful conditions, characterized by extremes of temperature, wind, and precipitation.
Many species respond favorably to increases in light intensity following burning.
In the absence of fire, shrubs and trees may become decadent, and the accumulation of downed woody material increases the fuel load and the likelihood of a hot, lethal fire. These variations in response are probably related to carbohydrate reserves stored in roots. Seasonal periodicity of carbohydrate reserves is known for many deciduous species. Reserve carbohydrates attain their maximum at the beginning of autumn and diminish slightly through winter. In April and May, root reserves diminish rapidly and are consumed by formation of new branches and roots.