Metal dendrometer bands are installed on trees to obtain precise estimates of diameter growth. Bands are fixed to a stratified random subset of trees (n= 225 – 3,000; varies by site) and are measured one or more times per year using precision digital calipers. Crown exposure index, crown condition (completeness), and sometimes liana coverage of the crown are also judged on a 5-point scale at every recensus.
Quantitative Forest Ecology 