Tree Mensuration

Considering my current goal is to join the Maydencroft Arb team I thought it would be useful to do a little research on tree mensuration as a basic concept as in any arborist role it would be a useful skill to have.

After doing a little research, the RFS Learning  page seems to be a great source of information.
https://rfs.org.uk/learning/how-do-foresters-measure-trees/

First of all there are two different definitions of height:
The total height of a standing tree – is the vertical distance from its base to the uppermost or highest point or tip.

and

The timber height – the vertical distance from the base of the tree to the point on the main stem where the diameter is a minimum of 7cm. This is because a diameter of 7cm is the minimum size for a trunk to be saleable timber.

It's important to note that timber height probably would not be relevant to me as I would not be going into forestry in the role I am looking for, but it is good to know regardless. Knowing the height of a tree  can be helpful for any tree felling work to ensure it is carried out safely as well.

Then there is also the measuring apparatus, nowadays, generally an Electronic Clinometer or Hypsometer are used; both follow a similar concept where by standing a known distance away from a tree one can use two range finding lasers which take into account the distance and angle of the beam to triangulate the height of the tree from base to tip.





Then there is the case of a tree's diameter. This is usually measured as DBH (Diameter at breast height) or what is the diameter between of the stem 1.3m above ground. You would first ascertain the circumference with Logger's Tape (or any over measuring tape) and then divide by Pi or just 3.14. Once one has the diameter of a tree, you will also obviously have the radius too, which can then be used to calculate the volume of a tree with the formula height x π x r2 if the tree in question is considered a large cylindrical object.

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