Apical shoot scoring system

Apical shoot scoring system for apical shoot's architecture. (International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests, 2010)
Link to this table.

Score and class	Definition	Remark
Class 1: Exploratory phase	Apical shoots and upper side buds form long shoots	Flat, longitudinal expansive shoot development
Class 2: Intermediary	Intermediary between class 1 and class 3
Class 3: Degeneration phase	Only apical bud forms a long shoot. Shoots of side buds are stunted.	Spear-shaped development of main shoots and reduced side shoot formation
Class 4: Intermediary	Intermediary between class 3 and 5
Class 5: Stagnation phase	Stunted long shoots	Claw-like appearance because of pluriannual short shoot chains
Class 6: Intermediary	Intermediary between class 5 and class 7
Class 7: Resignation phase	Die-back of twigs of the topmost part of the crown or even the whole crown itself
Class 8: Regeneration phase	Phase with obvious regeneration	From worse phase to a better form on the same branch