Why does the Western Hemlock have what we call a lazy leader?

Question

The Western hemlock has a drooped top - is there any reason for this? Or is it just random the way they lean?

Answer 1

In Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)

The crown is a very neat broad conic shape in young trees with a strongly drooping lead shoot, becoming cylindric and erect as the shoot gets older.  

The reason for this is as under =

The young shoot has poorly developed mechanical tissue that can not support the weight . ( just as a child / infant can not support its weight on its legs ) !!

As that shoot gets older , the mechanical , lignified tissue ( The wood for common man ) is well developed and the weight can be supported .

From = A Botanist

Answer 2

It may discourage large birds like ravens from perching on it and causing damage to the leader.