Variation of Slenderness Ratio in Black Poplar (“Populus Nigra L.”) Road Alignments

Abstract

The slenderness ratio indicates the spatial distribution of the trunk biomass. Given the very important role of the slenderness ratio in maintaining the stability of trees, the variation of this parameter in a road alignment consisting of black poplar trees was investigated. The analysis of the total tree height and of the diameter at breast height, in relation to slenderness indicated a rather low influence. Therefore, the value of the slenderness ratio for the analyzed trees is determined, in particular, by the growing and development conditions. Since the value of the slenderness ratio varied between 31 and 50 for the vast majority of the popular individuals, (84%) it can be concluded that the stability of trees is ensured along the road alignment.