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This research aims to evaluate the effects of fire intensity on the top kill and resprouting capabilities of aspen saplings.

May 24, 2026Fire EcologyOpen Access

Phoenix of the Forest: assessing top kill and post-fire stem growth in aspen saplings using a pyro-ecophysiology approach

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Randomized trial assesses top kill and resprouting in aspen saplings, suggesting fire management strategies.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of fire intensity on the top kill and resprouting capabilities of aspen saplings.
Conducted experimental fires applying discrete levels of fire radiative energy (FRE) using custom fuel beds.
Monitored post-fire responses in aspen saplings over a 42-week period.
Measured diameter and height growth alongside chlorophyll fluorescence comparisons.
No saplings experienced whole plant mortality, and all with top kill resprouted.
Moderately high fire intensity (FRE 2.0 and 3.0 MJ m −2) resulted in a 126% increase in the number of resprouts.
Post-fire height growth for resprouts was significantly higher at FRE doses above 1.0 MJ m −2, notably +200% at week 8.

Eldridge et al. (2026) studied this question.

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