E. Sequoia Grove (a few giant trees)

Resistant

The stable forest is maintained for the longest period by being resistant to disturbances. Eventually if a tree is lost, the remaining trees are strengthened and grow to fill the gap. The forest goes from several trees to just a couple trees taking up most of the space.

Consistently following this path can lead to a single glorious tree, but also the risk of losing it all - see Declining Forests

Trying to save a dying tree? - see Lost Trees

Resilient

Despite having a full forest, resilience can be achieved by planting seeds of new trees before a loss occurs. Preparing for change helps to minimize disruption. The result is that when a tree is lost the remaining few giant trees are supplemented by numerous small trees ready to grow.

"When one door is closed, don't you know, another is open?" - Bob Marley

Revolutionary

Similar to resilience, this trajectory also requires planting new diverse seedlings in a full forest - but these new trees are uniquely adapted and begin to grow before any old trees are lost. The new trees can either occupy a slightly different niche (e.g. shade tolerance) and co-exist with the old trees; or, the new trees can outcompete and force out a weaker old tree (e.g. in business this is known as disruptive innovation). Either way the forest remains full and becomes more diverse like old growth.

Note, growing new trees in a full forest can result in direct competition with existing trees - proceed with caution and commitment to this new initiative. The key is these new trees must start growing without disturbing existing trees, THEN if they are substantially better adapted (e.g. they add more meaning to your life per unit of time and energy exerted), they can continue to grow by forcing out old trees.

"Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you" -curiano.com

Reserved

In unique situations, a large disturbance may substantially alter the ecosystem. Rather than trying to fill the gap, a revolutionary trajectory can be achieved over a longer period through a pathway of suppression:

Here suppression maintains the gap in the disturbed forest to allow time for appropriate new trees that are adapted to the new conditions to take root and create a longer-term robust forest.

"I've never met a strong person with an easy past" -Anonymous