A Refined Height-Diameter
Model Longleaf Pine

The relationship between stem diameter (dbh) and total height for longleaf pine derived from a long-term regional dataset. Individual trees were measured repeatedly and appear as a single line. Data from different locations are color coded.

The historical distribution of longleaf pine extended throughout the Southeastern Coastal Plain where it also occurred on a variety of sites. This wide ecological amplitude coupled with the capacity to develop even- and multiaged stand structures, suggests a wide range in height-diameter allometry may also exist. Refined knowledge of the relationship between tree height and diameter is important from a number of perspectives, including the accurate prediction of timber yields and also, potentially, carbon storage. This research seeks to quantify this relationship across longleaf’s geographic range and for structurally diverse stand types. A mixed-model approach incorporating ancillary information is being used to accomplish this task.