Tree Height

Abstract

In forestry, tree height is defined as the vertical distance from ground level to the highest green point on the tree (which will be referred to here as the tip of the tree). It might seem odd that tree height is not defined in terms of stem length (since it is usually the wood-containing stem of the tree with which forestry is most concerned) or as the height to the top of the stem itself. However, near the tips of trees of many species, it is difficult to define exactly what constitutes the stem, because of the proliferation of small branches there. Even if the main stem can be seen clearly near the tip, it is often very difficult to see exactly where it stops. This is particularly so when viewing, from the ground, a tall tree with a dense crown.

Whilst the highest green point of a tree is much easier to identify than its stem length, care must be taken to ensure that the tree is viewed from sufficiently far away so that its tip can be seen clearly. Even then, in dense forest it is often difficult to see the tip amongst the crowns of other trees; care must be taken to ensure the tip one can see is indeed that of the tree being measured.