In young Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) (age 17-26 years) more branches were formed around the stem apex on fertile sites than on sites of low fertility. The site fertility enhanced the branch growth in the upper crown unlike in the middle crown where the stand density controlled the branch growth. In the lower crown no substantial growth occurred in branches and the branch diameter was linearly related to the stem diameter. The dying of branches was initiated earlier on fertile sites than on sites of low quality. Furthermore, branches in trees growing on fertile sites died within a shorter period than on sites of low quality. Similarly, the pruning-off of dead branches was slow on sites of low fertility. The diameter of dead branches was linearly related to the diameter of living branches, which emphazies the role of the whole life span of branches as a factor affecting the branchiness of young Scots pines.
