Tree Grading - ESF

Tree Tree Grading Grading Why Tree Grading? Provide a consistent estimate of tree quality Provide a consistent estimate of stand value Provide a more realistic estimate of stumpage value based on grades and lumber prices Provide a linkage between the standing tree and lumber

content by lumber grade 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

Lumber Lumber Yield Yield by by Tree Tree Grade Grade % Yield

1-com & Btr. 100 90 80 70 60 50

40 30 20 10 0 High Low

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Tree Grade 9

Tree Tree Grading Grading ---- What's What's Important Important Tree grading focuses in on the tree characteristics that are most directly correlated with the grade of the lumber cut from that tree. Tree grading only considers the butt log of the tree since that is where the highest lumber grades are usually found.

1. Size -- dbh and dib at the top of the grading section 2. Clear Cuttings -- the total length of allowable clear cuttings on the second worst face of the grading section. 3. Cull Deductions -- the percentage of volume deducted for sweep and crook and the percentage of volume deducted for sweep, crook, and rot combined. 10

Tree Tree Grading Grading ---- How How To To Do Do ItIt 1. Find the best 12-ft grading section in the butt 16-ft log. 2. Determine the grading face of the grading section (i.e. the second worst face of the grading section).

3. Determine the dbh and dib at the top of the grading section. 4. Determine the total number of clear cuttings (portion that is free of defects and extends the width of the face) in the grading face. 5. Determine the amount of deductions for sweep, crook, and rot. 6. Use tree grading key. 11

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