Height of a component of a stand Several stand height methodologies select only the biggest trees to avoid the effects of thinning and tree mortality on stand height estimates. Mean height of the trees with the largest dbh in a stand. The number of trees selected to derive the mean value varies. Dominant height is usually measured in uneven-aged forests. The choice between predominant and top height usually depends on the ease of identifying the tallest trees.
Predominant height is the preferred stand height parameter in many even-aged forests.
Relationships between predominant height and top height have been established for many forests. These relationships are useful for comparing inventory and growth data across regional boundaries. Studies in New Zealand found that the average difference between top height and predominant height was 0.35 m for short stands, but that this difference reduced for older and taller forests. A measure of stand height may be derived from the predicted height of the largest diameter trees. This approach avoids subjective selection of the tallest trees.