Data from: How a measure of tree structural complexity relates to architectural benefit-to-cost ratio, light availability and growth of trees

Aboveground tree architecture is neither fully deterministic nor random.
It is likely the result of mechanisms that balance static requirements and
light-capturing efficiency. Here we used terrestrial laser scanning data
to investigate the relationship between tree architecture, here addressed
using the box-dimension (Db), and the architectural benefit-to-cost ratio,
the light availability and the growth of trees. We detected a clear
relationship between Db and the benefit-to-cost ratio for the tested three
temperate forest tree species (Fagus sylvatica L., Fraxinus excelsior L.
and Acer pseudoplatanus L.). In addition, we could also show that Db is
positively related to the growth performance of several tropical tree
species. Finally, we observed a negative relationship between the strength
of competition enforced on red oak (Quercus rubra L.) trees and their Db.
We therefore argue that Db is a meaningful and integrative measure that
describes the structural complexity of the aboveground compartments of a
plant as well as its relation to structural efficiency (benefit-to-cost
ratio), productivity and growing conditions (competition or availability
of light).