Confirming Shortleaf Pine and Measuring DBH Correctly

Shortleaf Pine ID and DBH Measurement Rules

Your photos confirm the tree is a shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) in middle Georgia. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) is normally measured at 4.5 feet above ground. However, if the tree forks at or below 4.5 feet, measure the smallest circumference below the lowest fork and record that height. For champion tree nominations, each fork is treated as a separate tree if the measurement point would be at ground level. For timber volume, measure each fork individually.

Choose the method that matches your purpose.