Hardwood Forest - Oaks vs. Maples

Some tree species are more tolerant of fire than others. Post oaks (Quercus stelata) and bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa), have thick, corky bark that protects them from fire. They were the most common trees in prairie groves and the forest edges that bordered prairies - areas most affected by prairie fires. Fire keeps the forest open, allowing sunlight to reach the ground. Oak seedlings need sunlight to grow.

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum), were uncommon in prairie groves and forest edges. They have thin bark and survive best in forests protected from fire. In forest that rarely burn, the forest canopy becomes dense. Sugar maple seedlings can survive in the shaded understory. When a mature tree falls, the maple saplings shoot up to fill the ne.w opening in the canopy