Why is it important to understand the diameter distribution of a forest?
Tree diameters are commonly thought to be indicative of tree age, so small-diameter trees equal young trees and larger diameters indicate older trees. Over 80% of the trees in Tampa are smaller than 6 inches in diameter (Figure 2). This would lead some to believe that the majority of the trees in Tampa are young trees. However, a closer look reveals that 73% of the 1- to 3-inch-diameter trees are mangroves (Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, Rhizophora mangle) and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius). These species tend to maintain a small diameter throughout their lives and will not grow to large sizes. Therefore, it is critical to understand the species composition of the forest in order to properly interpret the meaning of the diameter distribution in Tampa’s urban forest. Figure 2. Diameter distribution of the trees in Tampa (at 4.5 feet in height; DBH). Trees greater than 36 inches in diameter represent less than one percent of the total population of trees in the
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