Tree form quotients as variables in volume estimation /

Abstract

The study reviews Hohenadl's procedure for defining form quotients and tree volume from diameters measured at fixed proportions of total tree height. Modifications of Hohenadl's procedure were applied to two sets of data for western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) from the Pacific Northwest. The procedure was used to define volume differences in thinned stands, and selected form quotients were used as variables to improve accuracy and precision of standard tree volume equations. Estimating form quotients on standing trees requires less time than complete stem dendrometry. The technique has application to other tree species.