Predicting canopy cover of diverse forest types from individual tree measurements

•Line-intercept tree canopy cover was measured on 1706 inventory plots across Oregon.•Predictors included crown width equations, crown overlap functions, and stand metrics.•The most accurate crown width approach adjusted for social position and capped sums.•Random crown overlap only performed well in low cover, drier forest types.•Statistical models were more precise, but crown width sums are simpler and flexible.