A study on the correlation between tree proximity, tree diameter, and tree condition

Meta data:
Distance from tree to the next recorded tree: Continuous - Using
the
transect measuring tape that was laid in a straight line from
the edge of the woodlot to center of the woodlot, every instance an
adult tree was encountered within 2m of the transect, the distance from
this
tree to the next adult tree to be studied was recorded. Distance was
measured by the same person each time and measured from the point on the
transect that lined up with the center point of each trunk. An adult
tree was defined as any tree that was at least 4m tall.

Diameter of tree: Continuous - the
same person measured the diameter of each tree by holding up a
measuring tape straight against the trunk at their breast height.

Condition of tree: Ordinal - The same person assessed the condition of each tree by observing the trunk and canopy and then assigning one of three numbers: 0 for a dead tree, 1 for a living tree, and 2 for a tree with a huge green canopy.

Methods:
In
order to assess the relationship between tree proximity, diameter, and
condition, measurement of these three variables was taken for 20 adult
trees that were located within 2m of a 30m transect tape that was placed
in a straight line from the edge of the woodlot to the center of the
woodlot. The same person was responsible for measuring the same variable
for all 20 trees. Using the laid transect tape, the distance between
trees was measured from the point on the transect that lined up with the
center of the first trunk, to the point on the transect that lined up
with the center of the trunk of the next tree to be studied. The
diameter of each tree was measured at breast height by holding up
measuring tape straight across the trunk. The condition of each tree was
evaluated by looking at the trunk and canopy of the tree and assigning a
number to represent if it was dead(0), living(1), or had a huge, green
canopy(2). 

Study Site:
43°46'48.2"N
79°29'48.3"W.York University Campus, Danby Woods. Woodlot.
Weather:
Very hot and sunny for the first 2 hours and then it became cloudy and
it sprinkled, while still remaining warm, for the remaining hour of
study. 

Hypothesis:
There is a correlation between the
proximity of trees in a woodlot and their diameter and condition. This
is because trees that grow in close proximity will share the same
resources and will be affected by the same environmental conditions. In
addition, trees will compete with each other for these shared resources
(i.e. water, nutrients, etc.) when growing near each other. Lastly,
different sized trees will be able to sustain the growth of different
sized canopies.

Predictions:
1) Trees that grow in close proximity will be in similar condition.
2) Trees that are located closer together will have smaller diameters.
3) Trees with a larger diameter will be in better condition (fuller/larger canopies).