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Collecting and Processing Drone-based Remotely Sensed Data for Use in Forest Recovery Monitoring

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Published on: October 24, 2025

A response to: Limitations within "The Limits to Tree Height".

George W Koch¹, Stephen C Sillett

¹Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011 USA.

American Journal of Botany

|June 2, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study defends biophysical limits to tree height in coast redwoods, using xylem vulnerability and carbon isotope data. It refutes alternative theories and calls for more research on carbon allocation and tree growth.

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Leaf Area Index Estimation Using Three Distinct Methods in Pure Deciduous Stands

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Published on: August 29, 2019

Area of Science:

Plant Physiology
Forest Ecology
Biophysics

Background:

Previous research estimated biophysical limits to tree height in Sequoia sempervirens.
A recent communication questioned these estimations, proposing alternative interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

To respond to criticisms regarding the estimation of biophysical limits to tree height in Sequoia sempervirens.
To reaffirm the validity of using xylem vulnerability and foliar carbon isotope composition for estimating performance limits.

Main Methods:

Analysis of xylem vulnerability characteristics.
Measurement of vertical gradients in foliar carbon isotope composition.
Review of existing studies on tree species.

Main Results:

Xylem vulnerability characteristics provide a sound basis for estimating performance limits due to slow and incomplete embolism repair.
New data support the use of vertical gradients of foliar carbon isotope composition in S. sempervirens.
The turgor pressure-cell expansion relationship in Zea mays is not applicable to S. sempervirens.

Conclusions:

The original estimations of biophysical limits to tree height in Sequoia sempervirens are supported.
Further research is needed on carbon allocation's role in limiting tree height growth.