SAMPLING METHODS TO ESTIMATE FOLIAGE AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL TREES

The total foliar area or mass of a tree is difficult to measure, as is its bark or cambial area, and various other components of aboveground biomass. A variety of sampling methods is proposed and estimators of these characteristics are presented. Based on probability precepts, al l estimators are unbiased. An unbiased estimator of variance for each estimator also is presented. The basis in probability rather than a fi tted regression equation provides some important safeguards, and is a useful alternative when fitted regression functions are unavailable fo r a particular species and physiographic condition.