Tree attributes in the survey campaign 2020

Workflow in the forest

0. Number

Nail number plate into tree stem and or read number on tree. Shout number to person at TPS.

1. Tree species

Determine tree species in winter condition according to Schulz 2013.

2. DBH

Determine 1.3 m. For different tree and slope situations see Fig. 1. If the measurement is not taken in 1.3, write down the measured height. Remove big mosses, dirt, etc. before measuring the diameter. Determine diameter of trees using a measuring tape rectangular to stem axis.

3. Vitality after Roloff

Step back and look at the upper canopy using binoculars. Vitality can be determined by structure of branching (long and short shoots) according to Roloff 2001, see Fig. 2 for beech and Fig. 3 for oak.

4. Social position after Kraft

From the same position as in 3 look at the canopy volumes, ratio of sun exposed and shaded parts of the canopy and diameter of the stems of the target tree and surrounding trees. Determine class according to Kraft (1884), Fig. 4.

5. Microhabitats

Look at the tree from different directions and scan for microhabitat structures using binoculars. Write down everything which can’t be found on a “perfect” tree. Use abbreviations shown in Tab. 1.

6. Marking

Mark the tree with a yellow marker tape. Remove tapes when whole area is finished.

Info Material

Fig. 1: Measuring height of DBH (BMEL 2011) 

Fig. 2: Vitality classes for beech (Roloff, 2001)

Fig. 3: Vitality classes for oak (Roloff, 2001)

Fig. 4: Social Position of forest trees (Kraft, 1884)  

List of microhabitats on trees

Canopy

  • C1: Fruitbodies visible, add name of fungus
  • C2: Deadwood (>10 cm diameter)
  • C3: Dead Canopy parts (less than 50 % of canopy dead)
  • C4: Dead Canopy parts (more than 50 % of canopy dead)
  • C5: Broken branches (> 10 cm diameter)
  • C6: Woodpecker hole
  • C7: Cavity string, min 3 woodpecker holes within 2 meters

Stem

  • S1: Fruitbodies visible, add name of fungus
  • S2: Broken branches (> 10 cm diameter)
  • S3: Broken stem, no or small twigs left
  • S4: Broken stem, development of secondary canopy
  • S5: Broken fork: long wounds on stem
  • S6: Stem cracks and wounds closed
  • S7: Stem cracks open
  • S8: Woodpecker hole
  • S9: Cavity string, min 3 woodpecker holes within 2 meters
  • S10: Large stem cavities
  • S11: Bark damages
  • S12: Sunburn
  • S13: Canker
  • S14: Decay
  • S15: Pathological bud development

Base

  • B1: Fruitbodies visible, add name of fungus
  • B2: Dacay at stem base
  • B3: Hollow stem base