An Investigation -- Methods to Predict Radial Growth in Urban Trees
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Date
1985-05Author
Knox, Stephen E.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
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Show full item recordAbstract
UW/SP URBAN FOREST and URFOR/SIMULATION,
computerized street tree inventory system and related
management simulation, estimate present and future tree
values. Since, value is based on diameter, a reliable,
least cost method of predicting diameter growth is required
by its authors. Current procedures require sampling 2% to
5% of the population for previous ten year growth. Results indicate the urban trees growth patterns vary widely, with no correlation to species or diameter (age).
But, in spite of wide variation, the method in use predicts
growth reasonably well.
Depending on the selection of probability level and
standard deviation from the mean by the user, cost of
collection and processing of growth data can be
significantly reduced. In the city of Milwaukee, 552
growth samples were collected in 1979. At a 0.05
probability level and a standard deviation from the mean of
5%, 162 sample trees are required. At the 0.10 probability
level with 10% deviation from the mean, only 29 samples are
required.
Growth projection alternatives investigated failed to
improve the regression method currently in use.