Walking with Ranger, Ben Wallbridge this morning we paused to look at a Holm Oak - one of the many in Durlston. We considered observing tree growth in terms of the tree's search for daylight. The unhindered tree branches develop in the usual 'open fork' structure. If branches compete and collide a 'compressed fork' results- and there are implications for the tree... A breaking off - distortion - change of direction -(see drawing). I stopped and drew for a few minutes. This kind of information is helpful to me as an artist. I'll be aware of an aspect of tree growth that was hitherto unknown to me and it'll make the next drawing a little better informed.
The ground under these oaks is bare of green. These evergreen trees are continually shedding leaves- the attached drawing is a reponse to the leaf litter under the Holm Oaks.