Estimating tree diameter at breast height (DBH) from stump diameter is a crucial technique in forestry. This process allows foresters to estimate the size and volume of felled trees, even after they have been harvested. For example, measuring the diameter of a stump and applying a species-specific or locally-derived equation allows for the retrospective estimation of the tree’s DBH. This data is essential for accurate inventory assessments, growth and yield modeling, and sustainable forest management practices.
Accurate estimations of past stand characteristics are invaluable for understanding forest dynamics and informing future management decisions. Historical data on tree size contributes to analyses of past growth rates, disturbance impacts, and long-term forest health. This information enables more effective planning for sustainable timber harvests, habitat restoration, and biodiversity conservation. The ability to reconstruct pre-harvest stand conditions is especially useful in areas where records may be incomplete or lacking.
