DBH Calculator: Measure Diameter At Breast Height

DBH Calculator: Measuring Diameter At Breast Height

What Is DBH?

Diameter at breast height (dbh) is a standard method of measuring the size of a tree. This measurement is taken at the height of an adult’s breast, hence the name. In the United States, this measurement is taken at 4.5 feet above the ground. This measurement is an important factor in determining the price of tree care services, the amount of chemical needed in plant health care treatments, and the amount of time the treatment will take.

How To Measure DBH (Diameter At Breast Height Calculator):

Get a soft measuring tape you can wrap around your tree.
Wrap the measuring tape around the tree at breast height (4.5 Feet Above The Ground). You just measured your trees circumference.
Divide by 3.14!

Special Laws Dealing With DBH & Circumference:

There are certain laws that apply to the removal of trees based on the tree’s dbh & circumference. Use the table below to see if any special laws apply to your tree removal project.

Washington, DC

A permit is required to remove “special trees”. Special trees are between 44” and 99.9” in circumference. Apply for a permit through the Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS).
If your tree is greater than 100″ in circumference it is classified as a Heritage Tree. Removal of a Heritage Tree in healthy condition is prohibited

Learn More: https://ddot.dc.gov/page/ddot-special-tree-removal-permit

Arlington, VA

If the tree is within a historic area and more than 15 inches in diameter you need a permit from the historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board.

Learn More: https://environment.arlingtonva.us/trees/care-for-trees/tree-removal/

Charles T

April 2, 2024.

I connected with RTEC through a neighbor who was interviewing RTEC for tree work on her yard. Ben was very thorough looking at the trees that I thought needed work. He understood my desire to keep the trees healthy and reduce falling limbs. The price my small job seemed reasonable. The crew came on Friday for the contract I signed on Monday. I was able to speak with the crew leader and give him my perspective on the work needed before I had to leave for another engagement. When I returned, the work was done just as Ben and I had discussed and I discussed with Pedro. The yard was cleared of debris. I was pleased with the result and there was honestly nothing to criticize.

Mandy Neuman

March 28, 2024.

I have used RTEC Treecare both at my home and for a commercial job and I have been very happy with them. They are professional, knowledgable, and great to work with. Communication was a breeze! I highly recommend them!

Nancy Rodgers

March 28, 2024.

RTEC treated my crape myrtles and saved them from disease. My yard looks great since I started using RTEC last year! They are so knowledgeable and helpful!

Todd Friedlander

March 25, 2024.

We had a large (4’) diameter maple tree at the end of our driveway (and neighbor’s driveway) that needed to come down. We worked with RTEC on a removal strategy that wouldn’t impact our neighbors. When we came home that evening the tree and the cleanup was so thorough I joked with my wife that “someone had stolen our tree!” RTEC is masterful in their work, true skilled professionals!

Janet Frank

March 19, 2024.

RTEC Tree has been taking care of our front Zelkova with biostimulant treatments for several years now. We had extensive front hard and landscape construction completed around the Zelkova, and the tree came through beautifully with no shock whatsoever. They recently pruned our Zelkova, and they preserved the shape of the tree. Upon pruning, they noticed a nest of 3 baby squirrels in the crook of two of the limbs. They respected that nest and notified me that they worked around the nest. Thank you, RTEC! They also removed 4 dead or suspect limbs from an oak tree adjoining our back yard. The limbs were hanging over our fence and house. They cleaned up all the debris after carefully lowering the limbs without damage to our patio furniture and grill. They respect the existing new landscaping. RTEC has also removed diseased trees from our property over the years, including an oak tree from the Resource Protection Area (which was not on our property). They worked with Fairfax County to file all paperwork to remove the tree which posed a hazard to the surrounding homes including ours. RTEC has all the equipment to deal with any tree problem and their crews are pleasant to interact with. Ben Gotch has been our consultant and he is tuned into the homeowner. Very detail oriented and thorough. He kept us apprised of our service especially if scheduling modifications needed to be made. RTEC arrived on time and finished the jobs in an efficient manner, cleaning up all the debris. I very highly recommend RTEC for all your tree needs.

Tyler Anbinder

March 6, 2024.

I love RTEC. Ben is especially great. He's the only tree guy who has ever told me not to do tree work, which to me shows honesty compared to the other guys, whose only solution is always to cut the tree down.

Jose Salazar

February 23, 2024.

Excellent service!

Udit Minocha

February 15, 2024.

We've been using RTEC Treecare for about 5 years for pruning, tree removal, and the Bio-stimulant Program for our old maple tree that keeps the house cool in the summer. We really like that they have knowledgeable arborists on staff and know what they're doing.

Linda D.

February 9, 2024.

Have been using for many years. professional and detailed in treatments and pruning.

Carol Aten

February 6, 2024.

We have used RTEC Treecare for over 10 years and have really appreciated their attention to keeping our trees and shrubs in good health. We have a number large trees that have needed various treatments and have been pleased to be able to maintain them in a healthy and attractive condition. I highly recommend them and their arborist Ben Gotch.

DBH Calculator: Measuring Diameter At Breast Height

What Is DBH?

How To Measure DBH (Diameter At Breast Height Calculator):

Special Laws Dealing With DBH & Circumference:

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