Author Topic: Tree dbh (Read 2898 times)

Michigan · « **on:** January 03, 2004, 09:04:57 am »

Would like to know your thoughts on how to mark a reference point for a tree's dbh. Would like something that would last as long as possible. Thought of paint, nail, and ribbon. Paint would last for? Ribbon would have to be replaced yearly? Nail if aluminum damage to value of tree? Any thoughts on how its done, thanks much

Dan

Texas Ranger · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2004, 11:04:32 am »

You got most of 'em. You can scribe the bark, NOT into the cambium, but just in the corticle tissue and it will last for years. Bark scribes available through the forestry supply houses. But the height stays the same, just make sure you use a standard 4 and half foot height.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2004, 11:31:22 am »

Dan,

Welcome to the forum, many of us lingered before posting. Found this place to be like family, full of lots of information, humor and caring.

As Don has already mentioned dbh is measured consistently at four and half feet from ground level ( because fluctuation in ground level can be different always measure from highest exposed area).

Be careful in using the bark method of scribing if your trees have thin bark. Also try to avoid 'nailing' as it will create a wound to which pathogens can gain access.

Are you going to measure yearly? How many trees or acres of woods? What species? Are you concerned about asthetics of markings?

rebocardo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2004, 03:05:22 pm »

I think bright spray paint on the west side of a tree would last a pretty long time. I painted some trees to mark a trail and it lasted a few years.

Ron Scott · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2004, 03:08:38 pm »

I'd recommend tree marking paint; use one of the tree marking paints such as Nelson's for longer lasting and visibility.

Jeff · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2004, 04:55:04 pm »

Maybe I don't understand, but my question would be, why mark the DBH on the tree? Mark it on you. That way it will be on every tree you walk up to.

Texas Ranger · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2004, 09:15:14 pm »

As my youngest says, "Well, duh!" Diameter BREAST High.

I had a lady tally man one time that made taking measurements,,,,,,,,,,,,, no, wait, for another time and another category.

Bro. Noble · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2004, 03:54:40 am »

I think that painting a 'dbh' mark on ones self is a brillient idea Jeff

That would make a good game for the pig roast-------paint the dbh on the 'Big Guy'

Jeff · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2004, 07:49:44 am »

How about guess the DBH of the big guy. Course when this bunch gets together its gunna take some doing to figure out who that is.

Honestly though, why would you mark the DBH on the tree?

Ron Scott · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2004, 08:09:45 am »

So that the diameter measurement is taken in the exact same place every year or whenever by whoever takes it for record keeping over time.

Always measure from the highest side of the tree.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2004, 09:26:53 am »

Post change,

If anyone read my post prior to today (1/4/04) I have made a very important change.

Note in my above post previously I had typed .........'lowest exposure' Must of been brain fog as I meant the highest. It is now changed and I apologize if this has brought any confusion to anyone.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2004, 09:31:51 am »

Also if you are measuring a tree such as a Hemlock with unusual trunk flare, measurement should be taken from the line of demarcation above abnormality.

Jeff · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2004, 10:11:29 am »

Quote

So that the diameter measurement is taken in the exact same place every year or whenever by whoever takes it for record keeping over time.

Always measure from the highest side of the tree.

So would it not be better to mark 4.5 feet on your person versus 10 gazillion trees?

Bro. Noble · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2004, 12:17:10 pm »

I think the object would be to identify the tree with a number so that the dbh could be compared in the future.

Besides a person's dbh can change both in the diameter and height deminsions

Jeff · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2004, 12:30:59 pm »

It wouldn't change anymore then a tree's. Besides I would think you could remeasure your dbh pretty easy. Now my diameter east and west varies quite a bit.

Tom · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2004, 05:44:39 pm »

It's been recommended to tie a flag on the rental boat that took you to the fish so you can get it next time.

If it works for fishing, perhaps it would work for trees too. My only concern would be the hill that forms under a tree as the roots grow. If you mark yourself then you might be standing on higher ground next year.

I wonder if it would work it you drove a piece of PVC pipe into the ground next to the tree such that the pipe was 4.5 feet on the trunk? You could even stick a pice of paper inside with some information on it for next time ....... like. ......."kilroy was here"

Jeff · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2004, 05:47:28 pm »

I guess what I am getting at is that I dont like to see paint marks on every tree in the woods. I certainly dont want to see nails and I'm not sure how I would take a peice of PVC next to them.

Minnesota_boy · « **Reply #17 on:** January 04, 2004, 05:55:17 pm »

Just run that PVC pipe through the mill like you would any othe hollow log.

UNCLEBUCK · « **Reply #18 on:** January 04, 2004, 09:43:29 pm »

so what is the defenition of dbh , diameter --------- height , I dont know what the initials mean but I like checkin out trees in the woods .

beenthere · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2004, 10:02:28 pm »

Unclebuck dbh --- diameter breast height

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Author Topic: Tree dbh (Read 2898 times)