The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

Agricultural TVET Colleges

Unit of Competence: Carry out Tree Measurements

Module Title: Carrying out Tree Measurements

LG Code: AGR NRC2 M09 0818

TTLM Code: AGR NRC2 TTLM09 0818

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LO1: Identify tree measuring requirements

Unit Carry out Tree Measurements

Instruction
Sheet#1 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#1 Identify tree measuring requirements
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:-
o Identifying applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to females and males
o Reviewing and checking work order
o Selecting tools for tree measurement
o Establishing and maintaining communication with others
o Maintaining and establishing communication with males and females
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
- Identifying applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to females and males
- To understanding Reviewing and checking work order
- Know how Selecting tools for tree measurement
- How to Establishing and maintaining communication with others and communication with
males and females

Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Follow the instructions
3. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1”. Try to understand what are being
discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.
4. Accomplish the “Self-check 1” in page 6
5. Ask from your teacher the key to correction (key answers) or you can request your teacher to
correct your work. (You are to get the key answer only after you finished answering the Self-
check 1).
6. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “learning outcome 2”. However, if your
rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning
Activity #1.
7. Submit your accomplished Self-check. This will form part of your training portfolio.
8. Read the information written in the “learning outcome 2”. Try to understand what are being
discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.

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 Unit Carry out Tree Measurements
Information
Sheet#1 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#1 Identify tree measuring requirements

LO#1: IDENTIFY TREE MEASURING REQUIREMENTS

1.1. Identifying applicable Occupational Health and Safety(OHS) to females and males

The first priority is to ensure that all people who may be in danger are warned, and that action is
taken to guarantee their safety, before any steps are taken to eliminate or minimize the hazard or
to secure assets.
The Workplace Fire Precautions Legislation brings together existing Health and Safety and Fire
Legislation to form a set of dedicated Fire Regulations with the objective: To Achieve a Risk
Appropriate Standard of Fire Safety for Persons in the Workplace

- It’s important

 Train students to use tools in the correct way.

 Excessive stores, unused equipment, waste material and rubbish are removed;
 Intercommunication equipment is checked regularly and is operated correctly because
the dangers of substandard, poorly maintained or wrongly utilized electrical equipment
creates the need to ensure it.
 Fire equipment is maintained regularly;
 Fire extinguishers are in place and are properly mounted on brackets;
 Adequate storage facilities are provided and utilized for loose paper records;
 Use tools only for the purpose it was designed for.
 Ensure that you are at a safe distance from the others when using a sharp tool e.g. knife.
 Keep sharp tools in a safe place to avoid accidents

1.2. Reviewing and checking work order

Continues reviewing and checking work order seek to meet the objectives of the tree
measurement in the immediate or longer-term. Reviewing for shorter-term and longer-term
tree measurement activities is essential and actions reflect future uncertainty of the work and
adopt a more general timing or detail for future similar work.

Continues reviewing and checking work order is applied frequently to specified key indicators
which enables to do well the tree measurement work. In tree measurement work reviewing and
checking work should be undertaken often, such as at weekly intervals. Continuous monitoring
provides a forest manager with the means of applying close control over the work enabling frequent

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 comparisons to be made between plan and with actual achievements and inputs. management
require tight expenditure control.

1.3. Selecting tools for tree measurement

 Altimeter
- can used to measure altitude

 Barks Gauge
- measures bark thickness by driving the cutting edge through bark until wood is reached.
Guard is slid against tree or log and bark thickness is read directly off the scale.
 Clinometers
- used to measure indirectly heights of trees, slopes, and vertical angles
 Hypsometer – indirectly measure tree height
 Diameter Tape
- when wrapped around the trunk of a tree, provides readings of tree’s diameter
(D=circumference/Π)
 Fiberglass Measuring Tape
- Used to measure distance in meters or feet; does not automatically retract like a
logger's tape.
 Hip Chain
- used to measure distance by tying the end of the string to an object and walking.
Distance displays in meters or feet on an odometer inside the box.
 Relaskop
- used to measure tree height, diameter, and basal area (a measure of tree spacing); has a
variety of scales.
 Tree Caliper
-used to measure tree diameter

1.4. Establishing and maintaining communication with others

1.4.1. Maintaining and establishing communication with males and females

Communication
Definition: Communication is any verbal or non-verbal behavior which gives people an opportunity to
send message
Verbal Communication.(language)
Communication involves:
 a sender who has a message or idea
 a message which is sent between the sender and the receiver
 a method (face-to-face, telephone, letter,) message is sent
 a receiver who receives and understands the message

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  feedback passed from the receiver to the sender showing that the message has been received and
understood effective communication means to give and receive accurate, timely and relevant
information and encourage opportunities for feedback

Non-verbal signs of communication may include hand eye and other body part signs,
 a sender who has a message or idea
 a message which is sent between the sender and the receiver
 a receiver who receives and understands the message
 feedback passed from the receiver to the sender showing that the message has been received and
understood

Communicating with others about measurement, tree, segment and other information
o Measurement Information. Record the information about the methods used to take the
measurements and to record the data.
o Tree Information. Record information that describes the attributes of the standing tree
and the area immediately surrounding it.
o Segment Information. Record information about the diameters, lengths and bark
thicknesses for each of the various segments of the tree bole.

When working in wind blow with machinery, an agreed system of work and a suitable system of
communication must be identified.
Modes of Communication Used describe all of the media used by workers in the occupational
group when communicating. The Modes of Communication Used may include one or more of
the following 4 media:

 In person, e.g., workers in close proximity to each other speak face to face.
 Using a telephone, e.g., workers responsible for materials place orders by phone.
 Using a two-way radio or other such means, e.g., dispatchers use two-way radios to direct
taxi drivers to the next destination.
 Using specialized communication signals, e.g., workers in high noise level environments
use hand signals to signal safety concerns or changes in operation.

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 Unit Carry out Tree Measurements
Self chek#1 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#1 Identify tree measuring requirements

Name: _______________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below.
1) List some of the tools required to measure trees? (3 pts)
2) Identify OHS for tree measurements? (5pts)

Fill the blank space

1. _______________________ is measures bark thickness by driving the cutting edge
through bark until wood is reached.(3)
2. _______________________ can used to measure altitude.(5)
3. _____________________ used to measure tree diameter .(4)
4. Note: Satisfactory rating above10 points and Unsatisfactory - below 22 points
You can ask your teacher for extra information.

Key answer
Give short answer
1. Measuring tape, caliper, clinometer, hypsometer, Barks Gauge , Hip Chain Altimeter,
2. Train to use tools in the correct way.
 Excessive stores, unused equipment, waste material and rubbish are removed;.
 Fire equipment is maintained regularly;
 Fire extinguishers are in place and are properly mounted on brackets;
 Adequate storage facilities are provided and utilized for loose paper records;
 Use tools only for the purpose it was designed for.
 Ensure that you are at a safe distance from the others when using a sharp tool e.g. knife.
 Keep sharp tools in a safe place to avoid accidents

Fill the blank space

1. Bark gauge
2. Altimeter
3. Caliper

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 Unit Carry out Tree Measurements
Instruction
Sheet #2 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics –

o Conducting pre-activities in tree measurement

o Selecting suitable personal protective equipment appropriate to females and males
o Identifying site environmental concerns
o Identifying forest area
o Undertaking tree measurement
- Encouraging males and females on tree measurement
- Plantation and native forest trees
- Measuring tree diameter and girth
- Measuring tree height and log length
- Identifying and assessing tree abnormalities
o Classifying stem form or crown class
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
- Understanding Conducting pre-activities in tree measurement
- To Selecting suitable PPE appropriate to females and males
- Identifying site environmental concerns
- Identifying forest area
- Undertaking tree measurement

Learning Instructions:
9. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
10. Follow the instructions
11. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1”. Try to understand what are being
discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.
12. Accomplish the “Self-check 1” in page 25
13. Ask from your teacher the key to correction (key answers) or you can request your teacher to
correct your work. (You are to get the key answer only after you finished answering the Self-
check 1).
14. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “learning outcome 2”. However, if your
rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning
Activity #1.

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15. Submit your accomplished Self-check. This will form part of your training portfolio.
16. Read the information written in the “learning outcome 2”. Try to understand what are being
discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.
17. Read the “Operation Sheet 1” and try to understand the procedures discussed.
18. Do the “LAP test” in page __ (if you are ready). Request your teacher to evaluate your
performance and outputs. Your teacher will give you feedback and the evaluation will be
either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your teacher shall advice you on
additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to the next Learning Guide.

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 Unit Carry out Tree Measurements
Information
Sheet #2 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees

LO#2: MEASURE TREES

2.1 Conducting pre-activities in tree measurement

Preparing the work plan

This is a blueprint for decentralized the work drawn up by the project implementation
committee, specifying the ‘what, who, when and how’ of local project implementation.
The work plan should contain the following information in simple tabular form: (i) all
activities for implementation of the project; (ii) names(s) of the person(s) responsible for
each activity; (iii) starting and completion time for each activity; and (iv) the means to
carry out the activities.
It should also define the outputs expected from each activity to measure performance
during implementation or on completion of the project, for effective monitoring and
evaluation.
Project work plan format

Name Name(s) of Time Schedule Resources Checking

of the the persons required for
When When to
activity responsible (money, acceptance,
to complete
material, availability
start
manpower)

2.2 Selecting suitable personal protective equipment appropriate to females and males

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The nature of forestry work can mean that personal protective equipment (PPE) is frequently
required as the hazards and risks cannot be controlled by other means. PPE is not pleasant to
wear for long periods, can create additional hazards, has to be chosen correctly (making sure that
it fits each worker) and workers require training in it proper use, along with somewhere to safely
store the equipment.
PPE may include protective clothing for preventing cuts , protective footwear, suitable gloves
for the environment, materials and substances being handled, and work being done, and
protective headgear, which may incorporate personal hearing protection and fact protectors.
Other PPE may include eye protection, leg protectors, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory
protective equipment.

Protective equipment that must be available

These include:

 Rubber gloves or leather gloves

 Overalls.
 Face shields.
 Face mask and ear protectors
 Steel capped boots/shoes
 sunscreen lotion

a. Head protection

Hard hat

b. Foot protection
Wear leather boots with ankle protection. For utility line clearance work

c. Hand protection

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Wear gloves to protect against cuts, vibration, cold, harmful vegetation(thorn)

d. Eye and face protection

Wear -approved eye and face protection for utility line clearance work

e. Clothing
. As a general rule, wear brightly colored, Fire-resistant clothing
When working near roadways or mobile equipment, wear high-visibility clothing

f. Leg protection
Wear chainsaw pants that meet the current standard to prevent cuts when using a chainsaw.

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 g. Communications equipment

Mobile
Emergency indicator sound

2.3 Identifying site environmental concerns

If environmental conditions have a significant impact upon measurements, these conditions
should be captured in the sample selection process. For example, soft paper products affected by
temperature or humidity during normal shipping and handling should be selected towards the end
of the manufacturer supply chain, just prior to customer delivery.
2.4. Identifying forest area
Dedicate an area for measurement that is isolated and away from other interferences.
 Sample Size

Multiple random samples will help to reduce errors caused by equipment, inconsistent
techniques or product abnormalities. Those packages that have greater variability in size require
more samples and measurements prior to determining an average values. The use of multiple
samples is particularly important for flexible packages, as these will often result in greater
variability due to the nature of the packaging and measurement techniques. The appropriate
number of randomly selected samples is described in more detail in the data.
Once all sample measurements have been recorded, these measurements should be compared to
the published data. If the difference between the published and new data is outside the allowable
tolerance for that type of product, you should take additional measurements and/ or make
changes/corrections to published data to ensure accuracy.
2.5. Undertaking tree measurement
Why measure trees?"
To see how big they are and find the largest and tallest specimens of what are the biggest
living things on our planet.
Studying a species at the extremes of its range teaches us much more than those that are
average.

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 However, more scientific study to assess growth rates, age and survival come secondary
to the excitement and thrill at finding a tree you have just measured is the largest of its
species.
To ensure we can accurately compare trees to identify champion trees the following
guidelines are provided to assist the intrepid big tree hunter

2.5.1. Plantation and native forest trees

Plantation forest tree species
These are forest that are specifically planted to make products people use
• Examples of products include paper, wood, fuel, oranges, and pecans
• Plantations are usually planted in rows for easy access and are privately
owned
• Plantations are usually less diverse than natural forests
Native tree species are plants trees indigenous to a given area in geologic. This include tree plant
that have develop occur naturally or, exits for many year in an area.

2.5.2. Measure tree diameter and girth (DBH)

Diameter at breast height, dbh, is defined as the diameter measured at 1.3m above ground level.
The diameter at breast height is measured at 1.3m above ground level as a reference height for
two reasons:
a) at breast height (1.3m) the caliper is easily handled;
b) On most trees of boreal and temperate zones the influence of the buttress on the stem form is
already much reduced in breast height
There are four reasons why the diameter di or the circumference Cat breast height is of particular
importance among all the tree information collected in the course of a forest inventory:
1. It is a characteristic, which can be easily assessed. In comparison with other characteristic
diameter measurements are the most reliable. Measurement errors and their causes are
recognizable and can be limited to a minimum by suitable instruments and adequate
measurement methods.
2. The dbh is the most important measurement element and provides the basis for other
computations.

- It serves for the derivation of the tree cross sectional area at breast height.
π 2
di
= 4
gi
- Volume is the product of basal area, height and form factor:
π 2
di hi
Vi = 4 if

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Hence, because the dbh appears in the formula quadratic ally, it plays a great role in volume
determination more than height and form factor, which appear linearly. Tree information as
height and quality assessments are generally linked to diameter measurement (dbh) for instance,
e.g. Stand height curve: h = f (DBH)
3. The frequency of trees of a forested area in single diameter class, the so-called stem –
diameter distribution (no of tree / diameter class) is an essential inventory result. Because:
 It provides an outstanding in-sight into the structure of the forest which itself is the
result of the development of the stand;
 stem diameter distribution serves as the basis for the assortment of the growing stock
and
 It is important basis for economic decision and may be used in planning.
4. From the dbh the stand basal area is calculated by summation of the basal areas of all trees. It
is a very important parameter for characterization of the density of the growing stock.

Rules

 Always measure at 1.3m from ground level on the upper side of any slope.
If the tree forks or abnormal swells at or below 1.3m, then the smallest measurement
below 1.3m should be recorded and the height from ground noted.
A 1.5m long stick is useful to stand upright next to a tree for accuracy and handy to gain
access through bracken or nettles!
 Always make sure the tape is level.
Never presume the first attempt is correct, slide the tape around the tree a couple of times
to obtain the smallest measurement.
 If possible always use a metric tape.
Periodically check your tape in case it has stretched or is damaged

Fig. 1.

 Always measure at 1.3m from ground level.

 Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) is often quoted by foresters; however DBH is
technically 1.3m from ground level.
 (On a fast tapered or burred tree, 20cm lower down the trunk can make quite a difference).

Fig. 2.

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 Always measure on the upper side of any slope or the highest part of ground if uneven.
 Make a note if there appears to be unusual ground disturbance which may artificially have
raised soil levels or if erosion has taken place.

Fig. 3.

 Where burrs or swellings are evident at 1.3m, put the tape round the stem at various points
below 1.5m to obtain the smallest measurement.
 If in doubt record several measurements at various heights such as at 0.3m, 1m and 1.5m.
 Even with a tree which appears to taper evenly from ground upwards, take time to check a
couple of girths below 1.3m as sometimes the shape can be deceptive.
A tree which is completely burred on its main stem exaggerating any measurement, should
be noted as such.


Fig. 4.

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 If a tree forks at or below 1.3m the measurement is recorded at the narrowest part of the
main stem below the fork and the height of the forking noted.

Fig. 5.

 A tree which breaks into two or more stems at or near ground level should be recorded in a
similar manner to that in Dia. 4.

Fig. 6.

 A leaning tree should always be recorded on the lower or underneath side.

 Collapsed trees still growing can also be recorded in this fashion.

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 Ensure that the tape is perpendicular and follow all the above points as if measuring a
standing tree.

Diameter

 Diameter is currently used as the standard measurement by the British forest industry.
 Conversion from girth to diameter is obtained by dividing centimeters girth by 3.14159.
 Diameter can be recorded directly by using a foresters diameter girth tape.
 Please note whether your measurements are girth or diameter when submitting records.

Calipers
Diameter is usually measured with calliper; more recently optical instruments to measure

diameter at points out of reach of normal calliper have been developed. Calliper normally record

diameters (in cm or mm) but may also be calibrated so that cross sectional area (m 2) can be

recorded directly.

Calipers must:
- Be light in weight but sturdy and stable under all weather conditions. Most calipers
are made of steel or aluminum alloy. Wood is not an ideal material as it lacks
stability under conditions of varying moisture vapor deficits and
- Have the fixed and moveable arms lying in the same plane and at right angles to the
bar.
Operators must be trained to ensure that
o the calipers are properly maintained and accurate;
o the point of measurement is located correctly;
o the plane of the calipers is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the trees, and
o the correct pressure is applied at the movement of measurement.

Diameter tapes
The diameter tape is used if the trees are too big for the callipers or when comparison of diameter
measurements for various reasons comes in question. Normally one measures the circumference
and calculates diameter according to the formula:
C = 2r - d = 2r
C = d
d = c/
Where: C = circumference
d = diameter
 = constant (22/7)
The diameter tapes used by foresters, however, are graduated at intervals of II units, thus
permitting a direct reading of diameter. Quality diameter tapes have a hinged end hook in front
of the zero mark, which grapes the bark of the tree and allow tightening of the tape so that

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measuring can be performed by one person. They have to be resistant to change in length under
severe conditions of abrasion (rubbing), temperature and humidity.
Operators must be trained to ensure that
 The tape is not bent or twisted and is kept clean;
 The point of measurement is correct and

 The plane of the tape is at right angle

2.5.4. Measuring tree Height and long length

Height can be measured to a fair degree of accuracy using simple methods.

Instruments called Hypsometers and Clinometers can record height to a greater degree of
accuracy, however, even these can be misleading if used incorrectly.
All instruments should be periodically checked for accuracy against an object of known height.
(This leaflet presumes that measurers are familiar with the use of either a simple or precision
instrument).
Golden Rules
1. Always measure height using as long a baseline (distance from tree) as possible.
Generally try to be at a distance as great as the height of the tree and preferably twice the
height.
The tip or top most branches must be clearly visible. Fig.1

2. Always use a linear tape to measure your baseline from below the highest part of the tree.

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3. Always stand on the same level of ground as the tree i.e. does not measure from up or down a
slope but across the slope.
(To accurately record on a slope the angle of the slope has to be obtained and baseline amended
accordingly.)
4. If your vision is obstructed to the tip or top most branches of the tree either, take a different
baseline or, estimate where the top is and record the height as estimated.
An estimated figure is denoted by enclosing it in brackets i.e. (30m)
5. Try not to measure a leaning tree on a baseline where the tree leans either towards or away
from you, but record from the side to obtain a true height.
Alternatively, stand below the tip of a leaning tree and place a stick in the ground at that point.
Take your baseline from the stick. Fig 3

6. If possible, always check a height using more than one baseline taken in different directions
from the tree.
Always use more than one baseline to check the height if the tree is a champion!
7. If you obtain three or more different heights on different baselines it may be prudent to
average the heights if different If there is a greater variation in heights than 2-3m critically
analyses which measurements you consider to be the most accurate relating to, baseline distance,
visibility, ground conditions and lean of tree.
Average those measurements you consider to be most accurate.
8. Trees growing in positions where it is awkward to obtain level baselines or provide good
visibility will always be difficult to accurately measure.
Additional notes describing the distance and direction of baseline will provide a future reference
to enable any increase or decrease in height to be recorded to a greater degree of accuracy.
9. If a tree is dead in its upper crown or dying back, the height recorded should be to the highest
live branch, although the height it had reached will be of interest if not recorded before.
10. If a tree is regularly pollarded this should be noted and the height of the pollard also
recorded.

General formulas and techniques for measuring tree heights.

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 Height= H1+H2, where: H1= B*TAN (A1) and H2= B *TAN (A2)

an illustration of common sources of tree height errors.

Trees on a slope

The slope distance of a line between the observer and the tree (B1) is longer than the same
horizontal distance (B2) between the same points. Since conventional height calculations are
based on the horizontal distance between the observer and the tree, the distance must be
corrected to the horizontal equivalent. This is very easy, and even easier to forget to do!

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Figure 7. Correcting the baseline for trees growing on a slope

Horizontal distance B2 = B1*COS (A1)

How to measure the height of a tree:

Method 1 - Isosceles triangle method

Equipment: right angled isosceles triangle, spirit level, tape measure

a) Use an isosceles triangle and move towards the tree until the top of the tree is at an angle of
45 degrees from you. Make sure the base of the triangle is parallel to the ground. A spirit
level would ensure that this is accurately done.
b) Measure the distance from you to the tree and add your height. The final answer is the
height of the tree.

Method 2 - Eye and fingers method

Equipment: Chalk - and good estimation skills

a) Stand at the base of the tree with a marker (chalk), scribe on the tree 2 meters from the
ground. Walk away from the tree (10 - 20 meters), making sure you can still see the chalk
mark on the tree.
b) Raise your arm and using your eye with thumb and index fingers locate the base and marker
(2m).
c) Using this spacing estimate the height of the tree by calculating the number increments
(distance between thumb and index finger) from base to top of tree.

Method 3 - Pencil method

Equipment: Pencil, tape measure

a) One person stands at the base of the tree

b) The second person walks away from the tree until the height from base to tree top matches
the length of the pencil when held vertically up to the eye.
c) Without altering the distance between pencil and the eye, turn the pencil horizontally, lining
up along the ground, with one end at the base of the tree.
d) The person at the base of the tree then walks away from the tree until he / she is standing at
the end of the pencil. Measure the distance from the person to the base of the tree. This
equals approximately the height of the tree.

Method 4 - Using a Clinometers

Have students make a clinometers in Math’s or Science.

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2.6. Identifying and assessing tree abnormalities

 In field work tree abnormality is identified before getting to measurement work. Because
to measure tree that has abnormal physiological appearance has its own measuring
method.

For example to measure the diameter of burr or swelling tree we put the tape round the
stem at various points below 1.5m to obtain the smallest measurement.

2.7. Classifying stem form or crown class

In farm forestry the shape of the tree is crucial in determining log value; therefore it is useful to
document a summary of the tree's form.

One of many different methods for assessing tree form is outlined below:

»
Form 1: Perfect form for the intended use or market (e.g. straight bole, fine branches,
no apparent defects, etc)
»
Form 2: Acceptable form for the intended use or market but not ideal (e.g. some kinks
in stem, evidence of insect attack, etc)
»
Form 3: Unacceptable form for the intended use or market. (e.g. severe butt sweep,
double leaders or a forked trunk, evidence of severe rot, etc)

One of the most important form factors in the production of saw logs is straightness of the butt
log. If the tree deviates outside a central axis then the form is likely to be unacceptable for
milling purposes or it will severely downgrade log value.

Work out the tree form for each tree measured and record in column (c) on Worksheet A.

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Tree Basal Area

Tree Basal Area (TBA) is the cross-sectional area (over the bark) at breast height. It is used by
scientists as a measure of tree competition and is a tool used in managing a farm forest.

Tree volume

The measurements obtained previously (Tree Basal Area and Total tree height) can now be used
to calculate volume.

Assuming the tree has a conical shape, and then the following equation can be used:

Example: If a tree is 20m tall and 50 cm in DBHOB then the total tree volume over bark would
be 1.31 m3.

Calculate Volume for each tree and record on Worksheet A.

Measuring a stand or forest of trees

Two percent of the total forest area is the recommended sample area, with this area divided into a
minimum of three plots. For example, in a farm forest of 5 hectares a total area of 0.1 hectares should be
measured. If the plots are 0.02 hectares in size then at least 5 plots must be measured to provide a sample
of sufficient size
Calculating plot area: Plot and measure area (m2) = length (m) x width (m). If available, GPS can be used
for this once the plot area has been calculated, mark out the plot using surveyors tape or similar markers.

Data collection
Plot measurement
(i) Tree circumference - measure the circumference at breast height of every tree in the plot
and record data on Worksheet B.
(ii) Tree Height - measure the height of every tree in the plot and record data.
Note: The following data can be calculated using "Excel" spreadsheet.
(iii) Tree Basal Area for each tree
(spreadsheet will calculate this value once tree circumference has been entered)
(iv) Tree Volume calculations for each tree
(spreadsheet will calculate this value once tree circumference and tree height has been
entered)

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(v) Stocking rate (stems/ha) =
(enter this value)

(vi) Standing total Tree Basal Area

(spreadsheet will calculate this value once total plot area has been entered)

(vii)
Standing total Volume
(spreadsheet will calculate this value once total plot area has been entered)
(viii)
Mean Annual Increment (MAI) =
(ix) Current Annual Increment (CAI) is the increase in volume at a particular age and is
determined by annual measurements of standing volume.

Example: Current Annual Increment at age 3 CAI = (Volume at age 4) -

(Volume at age 3)

Unit Carry out Tree Measurements

Self check #1 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below.

1. What are the rules required to measure tree diameter? (10 pts)

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 2. What are the rules required to measure tree height? (10pts)
3. Differentiate tree diameter from tree girth? (2pts)
Note: Satisfactory rating - 22 points and Unsatisfactory - below 22 points
You can ask your teacher for extra information.

Key answer

1. Always measure at 1.3m from ground level on the upper side of any slope.
If the tree forks or abnormal swells at or below 1.3m, then the smallest measurement below
1.3m should be recorded and the height from ground noted.
A 1.5m long stick is useful to stand upright next to a tree for accuracy and handy to gain
access through bracken or nettles!

Always make sure the tape is level.

Never presume the first attempt is correct, slide the tape around the tree a couple of
times to obtain the smallest measurement.

If possible always use a metric tape.

Periodically check your tape in case it has stretched or is damaged

2. Always measure height using as long a baseline (distance from tree) as possible.
 Always stand on the same level of ground as the tree i.e. does not measure from up or
down a slope but across the slope.
 Try not to measure a leaning tree on a baseline where the tree leans either towards or
away from you, but record from the side to obtain a true height.
 If a tree is regularly pollarded this should be noted and the height of the pollard also
recorded.

3. Diameter at breast height, dbh, is defined as the diameter measured at 1.3m above ground
level. Where girth refers the circumference of the tree at breast height .

Unit Carry out Tree Measurements

Operation
sheet #1 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees

Objective: - To understand how to measure tree height

Materials
 Safety equipment

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  Technical manuals
 Caliper
 Meter
 Clinometer
 Ranging pole
 Hypsometer
Procedure to measure tree height
1. Prepare all necessary tools materials and equipment
2. Use PPE
3. Stand on level ground to take measurements.
4. Investigator extends his/her arm out straight so that the top of his/her fist is at eye level.
carefully using the yardstick, the manager makes sure the top of the investigator's fist is
at eye level and then measures the distance from the investigator's fist to the investigator's
eye. the recorder writes down this information.
5. The investigator directly faces the tree to be measured holding the yardstick vertically in
his/her extended fist so that the distance from the top of his/her fist to the top of the
yardstick is the same eye-to-fist distance measured in the previous step. the manager
checks the measurement then makes sure the investigator's arm is straight out, fist at eye
level with the yardstick straight up and down.
6. The investigator slowly (and carefully) walks backward away from the tree until he/she
can see the base of the tree by looking over the top of the fist and the top of the tree by
looking over the top of the yardstick.
7. The manager measures the distance, in feet, from the investigator to the tree. this distance
is the height of the tree.
8. The recorder writes down the height measurement and gives the tree one point for every
foot of height.

Unit Carry out Tree Measurements

Job sheet#1 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees

Name: _____________________________ Date: ________________

Time started: ________________________ Time finished: ________________
Instructions:
1. You are required to perform the following activity:

26
  Request your teacher to arrange appropriate materials,.
 Request your teacher to arrange appropriate tools and equipment used measure tree
height in order to performselecting and sever the cuttings properly.
2. Request your teacher for evaluation and feedback.

Unit Carry out Tree Measurements

Operation
sheet #2 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees

Objective: - To understand how to measure tree diameter

Materials
 Safety equipment
 Technical manuals
 Caliper
 Measuring tape
Procedure

1. -The calipers are properly maintained and accurate;

2. -the point of measurement is located correctly;
3. -the plane of the calipers is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the trees, and
4. -the correct pressure is applied at the movement of measurement.
5. -measure at 1.3m from the ground to reduce the effect of buttress

Unit Carry out Tree Measurements

Job sheet #2 Module Carrying out Tree Measurements
LO#2 Measure trees

Name: _____________________________ Date: ________________

Time started: ________________________ Time finished: ________________
Instructions:
4. You are required to perform the following activity:
 Request your teacher to arrange appropriate materials,.
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  Request your teacher to arrange appropriate tools and equipment used measure tree
diameter in order to performselecting and sever the cuttings properly.

2. Request your teacher for evaluation and feedback.

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