Installing dendrometers.

Dendrometers are instruments used to measure the growth of trees over time. They are commonly used by researchers and forest managers to monitor the health and productivity of forests. I installed dendrometers at the start of the growing season in 2022 to collect valuable data on the trees’ water status and growth performance throughout the year.

Here are some steps to follow when installing dendrometers:

1. Choose the right trees: The first step is to choose the trees you want to measure and find a suitable location on the stem for the dendrometers. It is important to select healthy and vigorous trees that are representative of the forest or treatment you want to monitor.
2. Install the dendrometers: Next, you need to install the dendrometers on the selected trees. Dendrometers are typically installed on the trunk of the tree, about 1.5 meters above the ground. Depending on your species, bark will need to be remove such that the point-dendrometer will be directly located on the trees’ stem cambium. Here, less is more! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the dendrometers and ensure that they are securely attached to the tree.
3. Record the initial measurement: Once the dendrometers are installed, record the initial measurement of the tree’s circumference. This will serve as the baseline measurement for future comparisons. In addition, record the GPS location of your tree.
4. Monitor the growth: Throughout the growing season, regularly check the readings from the dendrometers. This will allow you to monitor the growth of the trees over time and identify any changes or abnormalities.
5. Analyze the data: At the end of the growing season, analyze the data collected from the dendrometers. This will provide valuable insights into the growth patterns of the trees and help you make informed decisions about forest management.

We believe that dendrometers can be a valuable tool for monitoring the health and productivity of your forest or stand. By following these steps, you can collect valuable data that will help bring science further. Together, we will then be able to formulate climate-smart forest management strategies and ensure the long-term sustainability of our forest ecosystems.