Chuck:
Just remember those data represent average values: on average, half your trees will exhibit growth rates in excess of those estimates and half your trees will exhibit growth rates lower than those estimates For example, some northern red oak trees may reach >28” dbh in 80-90 years, whereas other northern red oak trees, in the exact same stand, may only grow to be 10” dbh after 80 years. Why such the disparity in growth rate?
Growth rate, or radial- or basal increment, is a function of an assortment of interacting variables: species and existing stand conditions (genetics, stand density and competition, stocking levels, canopy position, live-crown ratio, etc.); topography and soils (hillslope position, site index, soil moisture and drainage, pH, fertility, etc.); weather (strong winds, ice damage to crowns, excessive heat, precipitation patterns and events, etc.); insects and disease; past high-grade logging removing the most vigorous species in the stand; etc.