Tree Growth Rate: Area Increase Table

Trees grow in diameter every year. From the farthest reach of the woody roots to the tips of the twigs, trees expand in girth. This annual growth increment allows trees to respond to changing environmental conditions and react to injuries, The ability of the tree to resist strong winds, ice storms, and major losses of woody materials, while remaining alive and erect, is a direct consequence of annual diameter growth.

The measure of annual growth increments in trees can be estimated by circular cross-sections and annual radial growth. Absolute annual increment values in square inches using the table below can be determined by first estimating tree diameter at four-and-one-half feet above the ground (DBH) as measured along the main stem on the uphill side. For this table, an estimate of generalized annual growth rate is determined based upon the number of annual increments present in the last (outside) inch of wood (xylem). This measure estimates a growth rate by diameter (DBH) class. Table AX provides the annual xylem increment area increase based upon growth rate per diameter class in square inches.

(FOR96-50) December 1996

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