Tree height

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General comments

Total tree height is defined to be the perpendicular distance between the ground level and the level of the top of a tree. In contrast tree length is the distance between the stem foot and the top along the stem axis. Obviously tree height and tree length are identical as long as the tree is growing vertically. For oblique trees, the difference between height and length becomes relevant and length is larger than tree height, depending on the inclination angle.

Total height is of interest to characterize a stand for example by determining the yield class or to estimate tree volume or tree biomass. If interest is in commercial volume, it is recommendable to also measure the commercial tree height. This is the height at the stem up to which logs that can be cut are considered as "commercial". The understanding of what is commercial is depending on the wood markets and the conventions used there. Commercial height needs to be defined according to the defined criteria. While there is no general definition, commercial height is mostly defined to stem sections up to the first dead or living branches or the first damages or irregularities affecting wood quality. Further a certain minimum diameter is considered.

Measurement of tree height

A direct measurement of tree height (e.g. by means of a pole) is only feasible for relatively small trees and restricted to the assessment of regeneration or younger plantations. More common is the the indirect measurement of tree height based on simple geometric relationships where we distinguish the trigonometric principle and the geometric principle. Many different measurement devices are available, while most of the modern ones calculate tree height based on measured distances and angles.

Some general points should be considered for height measurements:

• Tree top and stem base should be visible from the observer's position,
• distance should be at least equal or larger that tree height,
• the inclination of oblique trees has to be considered,
• multiple measurements of the same tree should not vary more than 0,5 meter,
• in case of devices using fixed distances: ensure to use the right scale.

Potential errors in tree height measurements

In general errors in the determination of tree heights can have different reasons:

• Error in distance measurement (eventually not the correct horizontal distance),
• Wrong measurement of angles,
• Tree top is not visible or misinterpreted,
• Misinterpretation of tree height in case of oblique trees,
• wrong calibration of electronic devices (e.g. vertex).