Mixed-Effects Height-Diameter Models for Commercially and Ecologically Important Hardwoods in Minnesota

Abstract

Mixed-effects height-diameter (H-D) models are presented for several commercially and ecologically important hardwoods in Minnesota. After H-D measurements from a plot/stand of interest are obtained, these mixed-effects models can be calibrated to produce localized individual tree height estimates. The use of three trees for a particular species from a plot to calibrate the model provides a reasonable compromise between predictive ability and field-sampling times. If calibrated at the stand level, 3 trees could be used, but larger sample sizes of 10 or 15 for an individual species would be appropriate. To calibrate these models for specific plots/stands, an Excel spreadsheet is available upon request.