1. Tree Defects & Quality
Visible “Tells”

2. Scaling and Grading
Scaling estimates wood volume after anomalies that result in loss of wood are removed
Grading removes defects that could result in lower wood quality – clear cuttings

3. Cull
something rejected especially as being inferior or worthless

4. Scaling Volumes
The volume of a product before cull is removed (sound wood plus unsound wood) is called gross volume.
The remaining volume after cull has been removed (sound wood only) is called net volume.

5. Method
Estimate gross volume via DBH, number of Logs, Form Factor and Log Rule
Estimate cull deduction and subtract from Gross volume to get Net volume
Estimate grade of net volume wood

6. Cull Deductions Rot Catface or fire scar (missing wood) Sweep Crook
Interior damage

7. Fire Scar
Extend the length affected an additional 2 feet above the last visible indicator.
Pie cut fractions are used to determine deductions. Fractions used as 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, etc.

8. Frost Cracks/Lightning Strikes
Use standard pie cut fractions such as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 for cull deductions
Watch for spiral damage

9. Conks
Different types of conks indicate different fungal infections. Some penetrate deeper than others which effects defect deduction. Must familiarize yourself with those in your area.

10. Conks/Internal Defects

11. Grading Tree -> Log -> Lumber

12. TREEGRAD
Tree Grading

13. Grading Section Starting with a 1’ stump
Examine the 16’ log above the stump
Allow .3’ for trim (4” – 2” on each end)
So you are looking at the tree from ’

14. Tree Grading
The grading face is the third best face or the second worst face

15. ‘Clear’ Cuttings
Example of an F2 grade butt-log.

16. Vertical Limitation to Grading
Stoppers are occurrences in the tree that can not be productively sawn through and limit the length of a potential log section.
Forks that are at least 1/3 diameter of main bole at point of occurrence and 45 degrees or less in angle from the main bole.
Branches, stubs, remnant bumps. – ½ diameter of mainstem.
Any embedded metal excluding aluminum.
Sudden dramatic change in bole diameter

17. Types of Tree Grading Defects
Bulge
Forks
Bumps
Gum Lesions
Burls
Holes
Butt Scar
Knots
Butt Swell
Limbs
Cankers
Overgrowths
Galls
Seams
Lesions
Splits
Conks
Surface Rise
Epicormic Branches
Wounds
Flanges
Flutes

18. Defects related to log use
Veneer
Factory Use (can cut into clear pieces, i.e for furniture)
Construction Use
Local Use (pallets, posts, etc.)
Chips

20. Defect Deduction Methods
Timber Cruising Handbook, Ch. 20, pg. 57
Defects in Hardwood Timber Handbook good reference

21. Surface Defects Within slab area = no deduction
i.e. Sapsucker Damage for construction grade logs, etc.

22. Shift tally for allow for defects

23. Shift tally to allow for size

24. Catface

25. Fire Scar and/or Rot

26. Internal Defects

27. Crook and Sweep

28. Tree Grading Illustrations

29. Overgrowths
Residual from branch Concentric circles

30. Overgrowths heavy (YP)

31. Medium Light

32. overgrowths
Light distortion – has normal bark patterning breaking through entirety of concentric rings
Medium – normal patterning has invaded but not gone through concentric rings
Heavy – concentric rings has totally interupted normal bark pattern

34. light

35. medium

36. heavy

39. Bird peck (4+ callused)

41. old suppressed bud cluster - WHO

44. 2.5 inches

49. Sound wound (new)

51. Questions?