What is the most important measurement of a tree used to determine commercial value?

The most important measurement of a tree used to determine its commercial value is the diameter. This is primarily because diameter relates directly to the volume of timber that can be harvested from a tree. The diameter of a tree, typically measured at breast height (DBH), provides a consistent basis for estimating the amount of wood that the tree contains, which directly impacts its market value in lumber sales and forestry management.

While height, crown width, and bark thickness contribute to a tree's overall health and can influence its growth potential and the quality of timber, they do not provide as direct a correlation to the actual volume of usable timber as diameter does. Height can indicate growth trends but does not account for the tree's potential yield as effectively as diameter. Crown width is largely a factor in assessing the tree's health and competition with surrounding vegetation but is secondary in impact when evaluating timber value. Bark thickness can influence the tree’s resilience and health, but it is not a measure that directly correlates to timber yield or market value.

Thus, diameter stands out as the key measurement for assessing the commercial potential of a tree.