Determining Tree and Log Volume

March 19, 2006

Given the tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and the tree height to a merchantable top, there are tools available to help you estimate the volume in a standing tree. Volume tables are one such tool. Volume tables are, in part, specific to species and log rule. Log rules are ways to estimate the number of boards a milled tree will yield. The log rule used regionally is Scribner Decimal C. Volume is most commonly reported in board feet for trees that will be made into lumber. A board foot is 12" wide by 12" long by 1" thick. These are familiar units to anyone who buys lumber.

The volume of a tree may be measured several times before it is made into lumber. When I mark a tree to be cut, I record the dbh and height in logs to a merchantable top. In the local species specific volume table developed by Peter Joos that I use, logs are defined as 16' long and the merchantable top diameter is defined as 6". For example, a 26" dbh redwood with (5) 16' logs to a 6" top is reported in the table to have 620 board feet. As a general rule, height to a 6" top is usually about 30' less than the total height, but can vary greatly depending on the form of the tree. This tally of tree volume helps the landowner, logger and forester plan.

The tree, once it has been cut and bucked into logs, may be measured again by the faller. Henceforth each log is considered individually. The volume of each log is determined by measuring the small end diameter inside the bark and the length of the log. Given these inputs a different volume table is used to estimate the board foot volume. For example, a log 24" in diameter and 20' long with trim has a gross volume of 500 board feet. After the log is skidded, loaded and trucked to the mill, people called scalers will make the same measurements, but will reduce the gross volume of the log by the defect that they identify in it. The resulting figure is called the net volume. Commonly, the landowner is paid by the mill based on the net volume scaled at the mill.

I welcome responses as well as ideas for future Tree Tips. You can also get an email version by contacting me at thembi@mcn.org.

Thembi Borras is a Registered Professional Forester living and working in Mendocino County, CA USA.