Some Factors Affecting the Bark Thickness of Second-Growth Longleaf Pine

The variability of bark thickness introduces errors into the measurements of diameter of forest trees. In this study of bark thickness at breast height of second growth longleaf pine variability of bark thickness between trees was found to be greater than variability on the same tree. The number of measurements necessary to get accurate estimates of bark thickness for individual trees and for diameter classes are presented. It is also shown that both annual and occasional fires reduced the bark thickness of the longleaf pines studied.