Some Common Symptoms of Forest Ecosystem Decline

Forest Tent Caterpillar damage

Tree Growth-decreasing Symptoms: yellowing and browning of needles and leaves loss of feeder-roots, especially in conifers decreased width of growth rings premature death of older needles (in conifers) increased susceptibility to disease production of epiphytes, such as lichens and mosses on affected trees death of affected trees.

Abnormal Tree Growth Symptoms:

• active shedding of needles and leaves while still green
• shedding of whole green shoots
• abnormal branching patterns - nests of many small branches
• greater than normal production of out-of-place shoots
• altered shape of leaves
• excessive seed and fruit production year after year
• very brittle branches

Tree Water-stress Symptoms:

• altered water balance
• diseases associated with wet wood

Biodiversity-decreasing Symptoms:

• decrease in bird and mammal species
• decrease in insect species
• decrease in soil organisms
• decrease in understory vegetation species