In more open stands, it is typically best to use 50 meters or more. Problems Vegetation sampling is not as always straightforward and clear-cut as it may appear. Fieldworkers invariably encounter some problems. A few are outlined here. One problem is the recognition of individual plants.
Some plants have more than one stem while some single-stem plants clump together.
A second problem involves crowns that intersect. This is especially problematical in dense stands. A third problem involves individuals that lie on the margins or edges of sample areas. These problems, and others, require professional judgement in order to be resolved. Whatever strategies are used in making such decisions, they must be applied consistently.