Hovedstammen

Hovedstammen refers to the main vertical axis of a plant, typically the trunk of a tree, from which primary branches arise. In forestry, horticulture and landscape management, the concept is central to describing the form, stability and wood quality of a plant. Some species exhibit a natural single-stem habit, while others may develop multiple stems or coppiced regrowth that alters the role of the hovedstammen.

Biology and structure: The hovedstammen consists of bark, phloem, cambium and xylem, including annual rings that indicate age and growth rate. The trunk provides mechanical support, transports water and nutrients from roots to leaves, and stores carbohydrates. The integrity of the hovedstammen influences taper, diameter growth and the tree’s ability to withstand wind and snow loads.

Development and management: In juvenile stages, growers often aim to establish a dominant hovedstammen by selecting a straight, well-formed trunk and removing competing leaders or shoots. Pruning and training may promote a straight, clear trunk with scaffold branches at appropriate heights. In fruit trees, the central leader or other trunk forms are used to optimize light distribution and fruit quality. Coppicing or multi-stem management deliberately preserves or regenerates several stems, altering the role of the hovedstammen in the plant’s architecture.

Ecology and applications: A strong hovedstammen contributes to stability and longevity, supports canopy structure, and enhances timber value in forestry. In urban forestry and ornamentals, the quality of the hovedstammen affects appearance, maintenance needs and safety. Variations in species, growing conditions, and management goals determine whether a single prominent trunk or a multi-stem form is preferred.

See also: trunk, dominant shoot, coppicing, central leader.