The Relationship of Diameter at Breast Height and Crown Diameter for Four Species Groups in Hardin County, Tennessee

Abstract

A set of simple linear regression models for predicting diameter at breast height (dbh) from crown diameter and a set of similar models for predicting crown diameter from dbh were developed for four species groups in Hardin County, TN. Data were obtained from 557 trees measured during the 1989 USDA Southern Forest Experiment Station survey of the forests of Tennessee, with supplemental aerial photographic observations. Estimates of individual tree crown diameter were obtained from ground measurements and from measurements made on 9 X 9 in. color aerial photographs (with nominal scale of 1:4,800) taken during the fall color season. In practice, users of aerial photographs can estimate dbh by measuring crown diameter, converting it to feet using the photo scale, and applying the appropriate equation. Similarly, crown diameter can be estimated from a ground measurement of dbh. This procedure may be useful in reducing the time required for field measurements. It may also be used to calculate crown diameters for datasets that include dbh but no direct measurement of crown attributes. South. J. Appl. For. 19(4):177-181.