In a forest stand, which trees are typically considered the dominant trees?

The dominant trees in a forest stand are typically the largest trees. These trees have the greatest access to sunlight and nutrients due to their height and size, allowing them to grow taller than their peers. Dominant trees not only compete effectively for resources but also influence the overall structure of the forest ecosystem. Their canopy provides shade for understory plants, impacting the species composition and growth rates in the forest.

While the oldest trees might also be dominant, it is primarily their size and position in the forest vertical structure that dictate their dominance. Youngest and smallest trees, conversely, are usually found in the understory or in competing stages of growth and do not dominate the canopy layer. This competition for light and space is a key factor in forest dynamics, making the largest trees the most influential in a stand.