Estimate total leaf area from trunk diameter using a generic allometric relationship.
| Leaf area | – |
Use this calculator to get an order-of-magnitude leaf area from diameter at breast height (DBH). Enter the trunk diameter; the calculator applies a generic allometry that is useful for a classroom example or a rough shade estimate, not for an inventory.
The calculation is: leaf area (m²) = 0.12 × DBH^1.8, with DBH in centimetres. DBH can be entered in centimetres (cm) or inches (in); inches are converted to centimetres before the power law is applied. The result is shown in square metres (m²) or square feet (ft²) to match the length unit.
This is a generic relationship, not a species-specific equation. Crown damage, drought, pruning, season, and species all change real leaf area by a large factor. Treat the output as a ballpark figure.
DBH: Trunk diameter at about 1.3 m above the ground. Enter the value in cm or in.
Leaf area: Estimated one-sided leaf area of the crown.
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