Estimation of crown form for six conifer species of northern California

Abstract

Geometric models are presented for the prediction of crown volume and width at any height in the crown of six conifer species in the Sierra Nevada. Crown volume is defined as the geometric space occupied by the crown and is allometrically related to the diameter, height, and crown ratio of individual trees. Crown diameter is derived from crown volume, tree height, and crown ratio. The crown volumes and associated measures can be used to compute indices of individual tree competition such as those used in the CACTOS (California Conifer Timber Output Simulator) system or to compute other measures such as wildlife habitat suitability or insect damage potential. Estimation equations are developed by regression using data collected on crowns of 593 felled trees. The equations use dbh, total height, and crown ratio to estimate total crown volume, crown volume above a specified height, and cumulative crown cross sectional area at a specified height.