A spatially explicit model of tree leaf litter accumulation in fire maintained longleaf pine forests of the southeastern US

•This model is a novel yet simple methodology to quantify the spatially explicit litter loads in frequently burnt longleaf pine forests.•Tree crown objects and estimates of foliage biomass derived from ALS data can be used to characterize patterns of tree leaf litter production and the discontinuity of the litter layer.•Aboveground biomass and YSF are the two major drivers of tree leaf litter accumulation in fire-maintained longleaf pine forests of the southeastern US.