Tree

Introduction

The Tree cluster provides a series of components that generate parametric diagrams of multi-phased tree systems, both Unitary and Non-Unitary, based on the groundbreaking research in the stages of tree development. These components offer a powerful tool for understanding and visualizing the complex structures of trees, which have been the subject of extensive study in the field of arboriculture.

The study of the stages of the tree development has its roots in the pioneering work of Pierre Raimbault, who published a series of two seminal papers titled The management of ornamental trees Part 1 Raimbault et al. (1993), Part 2 Raimbault et al. (1995). These two papers laid the foundation for the analysis and diagnosis of the aerial parts of trees. Raimbault's work provided a framework for understanding the growth patterns and structural organization of trees, which has since been refined and expanded by subsequent researchers.

Building upon Raimbault's foundation, the most recent advances in the study of stages of tree development have been made by Christophe Drénou, whose research Drénou et al. (2015), Larrieu et al. (2022) represents the state-of-the-art in this field. Drénou's work has further developed the concept of different stages during tree's development and has provided new insights into the complex processes that shape tree growth and form.

This cluster incorporate the findings of both Raimbault and Drénou, allowing users to generate parametric diagrams based on two different architectural models: the Raimbault Model (10 phases) and the Drénou Model (4 key stages: young, adult, mature, senescent). These models provide a means of understanding and representing the multi-phased nature of tree growth, which involves the iterative development of new structural units over time.

Component Usage

Please refer to the following sections for each component from this cluster. While the information is not needed to generate the tree diagrams, information from the Soil, and Root clusters are required to complete the full diagram illustration.

Raimbault Model

This component is used to generate sectional tree diagrams based on the given plane, height and phase.

Unitary

Non-Unitary

Tree Growth Phases Diagram

Forest 2D

The forest 2d section is an extension of the Raimbault model component, which allows for the automatic adjustment of each tree's width based on its proximity to neighboring trees. By modifying the spacing between trees within the Grasshopper file (.gh file), users can generate a diagram featuring a series of trees that are precisely adapted to their spatial relationships with one another. This extension leverages the capabilities of the tree component to create a more realistic and dynamic representation of a forest ecosystem.

Example T1

Download the GH file

This example demonstrates the usage of the Raimbault Model component to create 2D forest. Note that the examples uses component from the add-on Human to define the width of curves. Users can install this package via the PackageManager in Rhino.

Drénou Model Composer

This component generates tree objects following the Drénou Model based on the given plane and various control parameters, including tree and trunk size, spread angle, and growth phase. Notably, the output is tree object(s), which require further processing for visualization with the renderer component or for tree interaction with the forest interaction components.

Different Growth Phases Diagram

We classify trees into 13 distinct phases, which are grouped into 4 developmental stages: young, adult, mature, and senescent.

• The young stage includes phases 1 to 4.
• The adult stage includes phases 5 to 9.
• The mature stage includes phases 10 and 11.
• The senescent stage includes phases 12 and 13.

Stage
Young
Adult
Mature
Senescent

Typical Growth Stages

Drénou Model Renderer

This component renders tree objects obtained from the composer component or the forest interaction component. Specifically, it generates tree trunks and branches as curves and organizes tree information.

Example T2

Download the GH file

This example demonstrates the usage of the Drénou Model composer and renderer components to create and visualize single or multiple trees.

Forest Interaction

This component simulates interactions between trees within a forest based on spatial relationships, shading effects, and other environmental factors. It helps model tree status, competition, and growth dynamics.

Example T3

Download the GH file

This example demonstrates the usage of the forest interaction component to create forests from regular grid points and random grid points.

Tree Energy Canopy

This component uses the trunk and the branches of the 3D tree to generate the energy canopy that can be used for energy analysis. It outputs a mesh-type water-tight volume that can be used as a "shade" for energy analysis.

Transmittance

In energy analysis, tree crown density and foliage play key roles in blocking sunlight and heat from reaching the ground. To integrate this feature into the energy analysis, we rely on the control of the transmittance parameter of the canopy mesh in the analysis software.

Figure: A horse chestnut tree, shown with and without leaves. Adapted from Krause (2021).

A guidance for setting the transmittance value for direct solar radiation is given below Konarska et al. (2014):

References