Effects on canopy cover of the tree based on age and distance from urbanization

A study of 56 Eastern black walnut trees (<em>Julgans nigra</em>) was conducted to determine if the age and distance away from urbanization would affect the canopy coverage of a tree. The study took place on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 of 2015 between 2:30 and 4:30 pm of each day. With the weather of 14 degrees and primarily sunny on the 19th, and it was 12 degrees and sunny on the 26th. Both days the data was collected at the Saywell woodlot in the South-West corner of the Keele campus at York University. Due to the lack of population present for the maple tree, the group changed to find a tree with a higher abundance in this woodlot. The Eastern black walnut tree was used as the replacement. By using the transect line, we were able to distinguish the distance from urbanization (also the distance away from the edge of the woodlot), as well as being able to find the diameter of each tree where it helps to determine the age of the tree. If the tree is further than the 30meters provided from the transect, the additional length is calculated through the sum of lengths from the closest known distance of the tree plus the extra length calculated. The canopy cover is categorically calculated based on the number of branches and twigs are present on each tree, and if the treee has any berries present.