Open-Grown Crown Radius of Eleven Bottomland Hardwood Species: Prediction and Use in Assessing Stocking

Abstract

Abstract Equations were prepared to predict crown radius for eleven species of open-grown bottomland hardwood trees. Crown radius was predicted as a function of diameter at breast height (dbh) and as a function of dbh, total height, and crown ratio. Equations were prepared for individual species and species groups. Pecan (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) has the largest crowns over a broad range of dbh. Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh.) has the smallest crowns for most levels of dbh. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) has relatively small crowns for trees of small dbh, but crown radius is comparable to most species at the largest dbh. The crown radius predictions may be used to calculate crown competition factor. B-lines of stocking may be calculated that represent a stand of one species as well as a mixed-species stand of any particular species proportion. South. J. Appl. For. 20(3):156-161.