Adopt A Tree Project

Here’s how to measure the amount of ground a tree covers – i.e. its ‘canopy’.

What do we need?

• 8 small lengths of bamboo
• Measuring tape
• Graph paper

How do we do it?

1. Look up at the branches of the tree
2. Mark the most outwardly branches by their corresponding point on the ground underneath.
3. Place a bamboo stick in the ground at each of these points.
4. Repeat 8 times, making sure that all around the tree is covered.
5. Using the measuring tape measure the distance from each stick to the tree trunk.
6. On a piece of graph paper, dot the centre (to represent the trunk).
7. Include 8 dots representing each of the 8 bamboo sticks and their relevant measurements from the trunk.
8. Let each square on the graph paper equal to one metre.
9. Join up all the outside dots.
10. Count all the squares included within this shape.

My results?

The area of the canopy of the ash tree is 16 square metres.