Logger's escape route trees--Stressed dwarf minion Hemlock--Amazing!

[slabMan]

I have been studying a particular tree for some years now, but I am running into dead ends on data. Perhaps a big brained Arbor Site dendrologist or botanist may be able to provide more information on the "Stressed Dwarf/Minion Hemlock" tree. When I watch some logging videos of loggers cutting their escape routes I say out loud, "Don't cut that little tree! It is probably older than the big one you want!" In other words, the little "sucker", mainly Western Hemlock trees with the umbrella shaped canopy or sometimes they look like what I call, "Grim Reaper Scythe" shape can be CENTURIES old and only a few inches in diameter! Surely loggers have seen sparks fly off their chains when cutting those little trees for an escape route and probably assuming it was dirt that caused it. Cut one and count the rings and you will see that they literally have been patiently waiting for the Giants around them to fall so they will have their own endless supply of light to thrive [finally]. Hemlocks are the most shade tolerant of all the PNW conifers, so most of these dwarf trees are of the Hemlock species, but other conifers can be similar. When they grow into what look like "80 year old Hemlocks" [typical age assessment by tree pros/24"dbh], they are well over 200 years old. After they finally get their light, they grow disease resistant and that Hemlock stick becomes a quality piece of wood! Fall one over a stump and nothing will break, not even the top!

I personally find it absolutely amazing that such a small tree can live that long and only be a few inches thick [diameter]. I would think there would be more data on this and that makes me wonder just how studied they are [or lack their of]. Since I have been on this site, it seems there are a lot of cogent and talented members who seem to have answers for a lot of related issues. Is there anyone who can provide more information on these special "freak of nature" trees? If not, at least we loggers might have several options for an escape route to cut now! [lol--but true]. I have nothing but respect for something that lives that long, especially without a whole lot of built in defenses from Nature! KEEP EM SHARP!