Leaf area index (LAI) is one of the most important characteristics of forest stand affecting fundamentals of tree physiological processes, biomass production or mechanical stability. The aim of this thesis was to compare three different methods (gravimetrical, optical -- LAI 2000 plant canopy analyzer - and needle method) for estimation of LAI. Additionally, the seasonal development of LAI was measured using the LAI 2000 method. Research was conducted in three European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and one sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) stands. The age of forest stands was from 13 to 77 years. Seasonal development of LAI followed general pattern typical for broadleaf stands in central Europe, with fastest rate of leaf growth in the first month following budbreak. Maximal LAI was observed in mid-June and July and it was 4.52 -- 5.08 m2m-2 in beech and 4 m2m-2 in maple stand. LAI 2000 underestimated the gravimetrically measured LAI on average by 15.1 % in beech stands and by 5.8 % in maple stand (these differences were not statistically significant). Needle method underestimated gravimetrical LAI in beech on average by 22 % and in a maple stand by 40 % (this difference was significant in three out of four stands). Overall, gravimetrical method is most laborious but provides most accurate results. LAI 2000 slightly underestimates results (albeit not significantly in broadleaf species) but enables multiple measurements of LAI in the course of growing season. Needle method is inexpensive and easy to use but it significantly underestimates LAI. Its use for comparison of multiple species will always require calibration
