Open AccessDetermining The Age Of Streetside Tilia Cordata Trees With A Dbh-Based Model
Author(s) -
Jan Łukaszkiewicz,
Marek Kosmala,
Magdalena Chrapka
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.2005.036
Subject(s) - tilia , mathematics , diameter at breast height , botany , lime , correlation coefficient , tree (set theory) , statistics , horticulture , growth model , age groups , regression analysis , forestry , biology , geography , demography , combinatorics , pollen , paleontology , mathematical economics , sociology
This paper evaluates the possibility of determining tree age based on diameter at breast height (dbh, taken at 1.3 m [4.3 ft]), using common lime (linden, Tilia cordata). We first identified and measured groups of trees growing in similar conditions (alleys and roadside trees) whose age was known. We developed a regression model describing the growth of trees over time. Plotting tree age against diameter yielded a correlation coefficient r = 0.962 and determination coefficient r2 = 0.926. The resulting model was applied to unrelated groups of trees of known age. The difference between the actual age and mean age calculated with the model was less than 10%. The model was then compared to measurements taken with a Resistograph, with results being highly concordant. The model, although not meant for application to individual trees, might be useful in determining the age of common lime trees growing in alleys and along roads.