Maine’s forests are getting denser, and that’s not necessarily a good thing

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 23, 2021

New research shows that Maine’s forests have grown denser over the past few decades. That’s not necessarily a good thing. According to a study published Sept. 22 in the research journal Scientific Reports, once a forest reaches a certain level of “relative density” — a measure for the current density of a piece of forest compared with its maximum density standardized for tree size — trees get too crowded and begin to die off. Crowded and stressed forest stands are more vulnerable to climate change-related stressors. Pests and diseases will seek out struggling trees.