The most common species of tree in Polish forests is the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L). In this paper we are interested in the finding of correlations between the lengths of the main shoot and lateral branches of the fifth whorl and correlation of these lengths with the bio-social position of the tree in the stand. These calculations can help to assess increments of the main shoot of living trees on the base lateral branches. The research was conducted on 25 sample trees coming from a 24-year-old Scots pine stand. Measurements included 5-year increments in length of the main shoot and all live, properly developed lateral branches of the fifth whorl. Lateral branches were measured with regard to the direction of their position on the tree in relation to the cardinal points of the compass. It is clear that the sample size is very small, but this is the first attempt to assess such dependence. Analysis of Pearson's linear correlation coefficients, multivariate regression analysis and polynomial regression analysis were applied in order to determine these dependences. Moreover, in order to remove from the model independent variables having a slight influence on variation of increment in height (the dependent variable), the backward multiple regression elimination method was used. After carrying out the calculations we were able to conclude that the increments in length of the main shoot were dependent on increments in length lateral branches growing on the tree in the westward direction.

backward elimination, correlation, lateral branches, linear regression, main shoot, multiple regression, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L).