Leaf dispersal in a pole-size maple stand

The horizontal distribution of leaf fall was determined for one nonthinned, and two previously released pole-size sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) trees. Leaf dispersal showed a general north–south pattern reflecting the prevailing winds; most leaves were within 100 ft (30.5 m) of the sample trees. Only about 5% of the total number of leaves remained on the estimated major rooting area. Consequently, fertilizing individual maple trees is likely to have limited long-term value because nutrients contained in the leaves will be distributed throughout the stand.