Skip to content

Assessing the Height of Stationary Arbor

Determining the saleable timber volume, or 'volume' for short, is essential for woodland owners in various scenarios, such as timber selling or lumber production. To establish the quantity of timber for sale or to decide the size and number of trees to chop, an 'volume' estimate is required....

Assessing the Height of Upright Trees
Assessing the Height of Upright Trees

Assessing the Height of Stationary Arbor

In the world of forestry and timber management, understanding the merchantable height of trees is crucial for determining the value of a tree and the volume of timber that can be harvested. This article provides a comprehensive overview of merchantable height, its measurement methods, and the calculations involved.

Merchantable height refers to the height of a tree up to which a particular product may be obtained, usually minus a one-foot stump height. This measurement is essential as it helps to determine the usable portion of the tree, particularly when it comes to valuable species such as veneer black walnut.

Several methods can be used to measure merchantable height. For trees with relatively short merchantable heights, a long pole can be used. More precise measurements can be made with special instruments like clinometers, altimeters, relascopes, or hypsometers.

When using tables to estimate merchantable tree volume, it's important to note that only the portion of the trunk that will produce a usable product should be measured. Portions of the trunk or entire trunks that are hollow, excessively crooked, rotten, etc., should not be included in the measurement.

Merchantable height measurements are rounded to the nearest half-log. For example, a tree with a merchantable height of 42 feet would be measured as having 21/2 logs of merchantable height.

In addition to merchantable height, foresters and buyers may also discuss gross and net volume. Gross volume is the estimated tree volume without deduction for defects, while net volume is the estimated tree volume with proper deductions made for defects.

For specific calculations, tables like Table 1 or 2 can be used to estimate the volume in board feet of a tree once its diameter at breast height and merchantable height have been measured.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers recommended services for accurate and efficient timber volume measurement over large areas in Ohio. This service can be invaluable for those looking to manage their timber resources effectively.

In conclusion, understanding merchantable height and its measurement methods is vital for anyone involved in forestry and timber management. By accurately measuring merchantable height and using the appropriate tables, foresters and buyers can estimate the volume and value of timber more accurately, leading to more informed decision-making and better resource management.

Read also:

Latest