A research on age estimation methods of monumental Eastern Plane (Platanus orientalis) trees
Abstract
Abstract The subject of this study is the investigation of age estimation methods in monumental old plane trees. Some trees are very old and have extraordinarily large diameters. These trees are preserved as monumental trees due to their unusual characteristics. Since they are mostly located in rural areas, they contribute to the development of the rural environment in terms of tourism. The ages of these trees are important for determining their monumental value. It is difficult to determine their age using standard methods. Also, some trees may require estimation of age without injury. These predictions methods can have big errors. In this study, an original approach has been used to reduce age prediction errors. The study presents some sample models so that different models can be developed in different regions. Some regression models are used to improve the age estimation in this study. A total of 54-sample trees were used for age estimation. Of this total, 44 sample trees were used for model development and 10 sample trees were used for suitability testing. The models were ranked according to the success criteria. The regression models showed that for plane trees, the best model based on diameter is M10 (R adj : 0.71, score: 94). The best model based on diameter and annual ring variables was found as M22 (R adj : 0.70, score: 157). It was determined that, the M22 regression model can be used in age estimation with 14.79% average absolute error.