Description:
Hann and Scrivani (1987) developed dominant height growth equations for Douglas-
fir in southwest Oregon using stem analysis data sets with an upper age of
approximately 125 years at breast height. The objective of this study was to determine
whether these equations could be extrapolated for ages of 250 years or more.
Data for the evaluation came from stem analysis of 60 dominant trees located in 30
"older" stands. Intensive data screening indicated that 53 of these trees exhibited
signs of reduced height growth during their first 100 years of development due to
competition from non-tree vegetation, hardwood tree species, and possibly other
conifers in non-even-aged stands. Analysis of the remaining seven site-quality trees
indicated that the existing dominant height growth equation for Douglas-fir could
be extrapolated to breast height ages of up to 245 years without loss of accuracy
or precision.