New height-age curves for Pacific silver fir revolutionize forest management.
The researchers studied Pacific silver fir trees in the Pacific Northwest to create height-age and site index curves. They used data from 40 trees in Oregon and Washington to develop equations and curves that can help forest managers estimate tree growth and manage silver fir forests. The study excluded trees with early growth retardation to focus on free-growing trees. The results provide tools for managing silver fir forests by estimating tree height at different ages and site index values.