Forestry and Natural Resources Timber Processing Log and Tree Scaling Techniques

Buying and selling logs and standing trees based on an estimate of the number of board feet they contain is an everyday practice in the lumber industry. However, it can also be a very confusing practice. There are a number of issues addressed in this publication. In addition, remember that log and tree scaling are just estimates of the final board footage expected and that different individuals will likely obtain somewhat differ-ent estimates. Tables and formulas to estimate the board-foot volume of logs and trees by three of the most commonly used log rules are provided. Background information concerning the various rules as well as scaling techniques is also provided