Robust height-diameter allometries for 42 European tree species: stand characteristics and structure matter

Tree height is a key variable for assessing forest functioning and resources (e.g volume, carbon stocks) at both tree and stand levels. However, direct field measurements are costly and time-consuming. Developing accurate and unbiased height-diameter allometries applicable over large spatial scales is therefore crucial for forest research and management.

Based on the French National Forest Inventory, with 269,976 tree-height observations on 49,234 plots measured, we developed generalized, species-specific height-diameter allometries that integrate stand dendrometrical characteristics and stand structure. The models cover 42 European tree species and the four main stand structures: even-aged, uneven-aged, coppice-with-standards and coppice. To enhance local accuracy, we developed an optional recalibration method at the plot level, assessing how many additional trees should be measured and which ones to select to maximize the improvement of the model. By integrating basal area as stand density and quadratic mean diameter as an indicator of stand development stage, our models enable us to assess the influence stand dendrometrical characteristics on these allometries and evaluate how different species responded to competition.

Results indicate that with increasing competition, tree height tends to be higher for a given diameter, and that stand structure significantly influences 30 out of the 42 species. Local recalibration showed that measuring just one to six of the largest trees per plot reduced prediction error by 20 to 70%, depending on species.

This study provides a useful, robust and scalable tool for forest research and management, for the most widespread species in Europe, while offering precision for local applications.