The tree crown is the top part of the tree, which features branches that grow out from the main trunk, it includes branched stem, leaves, flowers and fruits all together. While all trees individually feature a crown, several types of tree crowns adorn an area. Based on the tree types the crown types can be several types, viz. pyramidal crown, full crown, vase crown, fountain crown, spreading crown, layered crown, columnar crown, weeping crown etc.
The area of land surface that is under the tree crown by its vertical projection is termed as Canopy Cover. In other words, canopy cover in a landscape is the proportion of the ground surface covered under the vertical projection of tree crowns. The canopy cover in a forest is expressed as percentage or proportional area in reference to the total area referred.
The crown is the branchy part of a tree on the stem while the canopy is the roof-like covering on the forest floor. Crown refers only the branched part of a tree while the canopy includes the stories of crown made by trees and even by shrubs and herbs. Crown or crown cover refers a tree while the canopy or canopy cover refers the assemblage of tree crowns.
The canopy architecture in a forest or landscape is determined by the arrangement of individual tree crowns found in the forest, thus there can be several types of canopy architecture in different landscapes. Different species of trees or even different individuals of same species have different canopy cover according to their growth. The canopy cover also reflects the dominance of a species in occupying space in an area.
Trees are also classified into different crown classes when they compete for spreading their crowns and in a forest canopy. For example, dominant trees extend their crown above the level of the canopy; their crown receives light from above as well as some light from sides as well. Codominant trees make their crowns up to the level of canopy and their crown receives light only from the top and not from sides. Intermediate trees extend their crown below the canopy cover and their crown receives some light only from the above. Suppressed trees crown is made below the level of the canopy and they do not receive any direct light.
