Dataset: Tree species identity, diameter and qualitative canopy health measurements (full, partial or dead) from 2005 to 2023 on 12 experimental oak loss plots in Black Rock Forest, NY.

Black Rock Forest established a series of 12, 0.56 ha plots in 2005 to assess impacts of the loss of tree in the genus Quercus on the forest ecosystem (entitled the Future of Oak Forests experiment). Three trunk girdling treatments, with control plots were instituted in 2008. Each plot also contained an ~10m by ~15m deer exclosure to assess the impact of herbivory post-disturbance. Trees were measured twice per year from 2008 to 2013 (except 2009 when trees were measured once) and once per year from 2014 to 2023. Data include tree species identity, diameter at breast height (DBH), canopy health (a qualitative assessment of approximate cover as full, partial or dead), presence/absence of sprouts, and location within the plot. All live trees equal to or larger than 2.5 cm DBH are included in the dataset.

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