In article ,
Jaques d'Alltrades wrote:
The message
from "Mike Lyle" contains these words:

Technical query. If a tree were coppiced early in life, might the
shoots not grow together in the same way if subsequently left alone?

No. The new branches would (in the case of oak) spread. New Lombardy
poplar branches would grow straight up.

No, that is not right. Whether the oak would spread or go upwards
would depend on the strain of oak and the conditions. It is very
likely that one coppiced young would spread slightly, and then
merge as it grew in width, leading to the effect observed.

Yes, I know that oak is one of the trees that has a stronger primary/
secondary shoot distinction than most, but it isn't absolute and you
don't see 2' high oaks where they have been browsed early in life.
There are a few plants that do behave like that, I agree.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.