What is epicormic growth?

Epicormic growth refers to the development of shoots that arise from dormant buds located beneath the bark of a tree, often in response to stress conditions or injury. This type of growth is particularly common in trees that have been topped or severely pruned, where it may emerge prominently from decayed stubs. These shoots can create a dense canopy but are often weak and can pose risks to the tree’s overall stability and health if not managed properly.

In distinguishing this from other types of growth, it is important to note that epicormic growth is not exclusive to healthy trees, which would be indicated by the first option. The third option, concerning immediate growth during seasonal changes, does not accurately define epicormic growth as it describes a response to shorter-term environmental cues rather than the longer-term effects of tree stress or damage. The fourth option regarding the normal growth cycle of young trees does not apply since epicormic growth usually occurs in mature trees facing specific challenges, rather than being part of a natural development cycle of younger trees. Therefore, recognizing epicormic growth in the context of its association with previously topped trees and stress provides a clear understanding of this particular growth phenomenon.