Learn
Timber
The largest wood-supplying region in the United States is the South, and Alabama figures prominently among southern states in timber production. Based on 2002 estimates, almost 56% of the total timber harvest in the United States was from southern states, and that trend is predicted to continue through the next 50 years. It was also estimated that between the years 2002 and 2050, the majority of the timber produced will be harvested from forested acres owned by private landowners.
Forestry is vital to Alabama's economy. Growing, processing, and manufacturing wood contribute millions of dollars each year. Like other investments, the markets of timber and wood products cycle in response to changes in the marketplace. As the forest products industry adjusts to changes in the economic climate, Alabama's timber industry will continue to change with it. With prudent management, Alabama's forests will grow and flourish, and the use of products they provide will persist in both traditional and emerging markets.
Statistics show that you can receive 20-30% more from your timber by being educated about the timber industry. If you find yourself with acreage that has standing timber in the future and you are considering selling it, you should consider consulting with a professional forester before doing so.
Lumber Terminology
We will look at how to estimate lumber values in this lesson but first we need to define some terminology related to the lumber industry:
- Dimension Lumber: Lumber that will be sold to the construction industry or the do-it-yourself homeowner in standard dimensions such as 2x4s and 2x6s.
- Boards: Lumber that is cut for decorative use.
- Poles: Lumber that will be used to support vertical loads such as utility lines.
The following terms have to do with what your timber might be used for:
- Pulpwood: Trees and leftover pieces used to make paper products
- Wood Chips: Smaller trees and leftover pieces that are ran through a wood chipper and used in landscaping
These terms are used in the computation of how much timber you have:
- DBH (Diameter Breast Height): The diameter of the tree measured 4.6 feet from the ground
- Cord: A volume of wood 4 foot high, 4 foot wide, and 8 foot long (128 ft3) stacked as straight and close together as possible
- Hardwood: Types of trees that generally drop leaves in the winter and produce nuts or fruit, like an oak tree
- Softwood: Types of trees that are generally evergreen trees, like pine trees
- Board Foot: 1 inch thick, 12 inches long, and 12 inches wide
When determining the value of your timber, the following things that will be taken into consideration:
- The current market price
- What type of timber you have
- The quality of the timber
- How much timber you have
- How easy it is to get to your timber
Doyle's Rule
The method of figuring value that we are going to look at is called Doyle's Rule.
In this formula:
- D = The diameter inside the bark measured in inches at the small end of the log
- L = The nominal log length (rounded down to a whole foot) measured in feet
Timber Calculations
Use the following information to answer the example problems:
Suppose you have a log that is 8 feet 7 inches long with measurements of the diameter inside the bark at each end of 10 inches and 18 inches.
Remember to round length down to a whole foot measurement and use the diameter measurement from the smallest end.
Example #1
Use the Doyle rule to find how many board feet are in this log.
Log Volume (board feet) = 18
Example #2
In Example 1, we determined that this log has a volume of 18 board feet. We can use that information to calculate the value.
Suppose the timber in this example sells for $7.20 per board foot. How much is this log worth?
18 (7.20) = $129.60
The log is worth $129.60.
Example #3
In Example 2, we determined that the log has a value of $129.60. We can use this value to estimate the total value of your timber.
Let's also suppose that you have an estimated 1,500 trees of the same type and size as this one on your property. What is the value of your timber?
1,500 (129.60) = $194,400
The value of the timber is $194,400.00.
Timber Knowledge Checks
Use the following terms to answer the definition questions below.
Terms:
- Board foot
- Boards
- Cord
- DBH (diameter breast height)
- Dimension lumber
- Hardwood
- Poles
- Pulpwood
- Softwood
- Wood chips
Definition Questions
- ________ is the diameter of the tree measured 4.6 feet from the ground.
Answer: DBH (diameter breast height)
- ________ is a volume of wood 4 foot high, 4 foot wide, and 8 foot long (128 ft3) stacked as straight and close together as possible.
Answer: Cord
- ________ trees that generally drop leaves in the winter and produce nuts or fruit.
Answer: Hardwood
- ________ trees that are generally evergreen trees like pines.
Answer: Softwood
- ___________ is 1 inch thick, 12 inches long, and 12 inches wide.
Answer: Board Foot
- _________ is lumber that will be sold to the construction industry or the do-it-yourself homeowner in standard dimensions such as 2x4s and 2x6s.
Answer: Dimension Lumber
- __________ are the lumber that will be cut for decorative use.
Answer: Boards
- _________ are the lumber that will be used to support vertical loads such as utility lines.
Answer: Poles
- _________ is the part of the tree and leftover pieces used to make paper products.
Answer: Pulpwood
- _______________ are smaller trees and leftover pieces that are ran through a wood chipper and used in landscaping.
Answer: Wood Chips
Knowledge Check
Knowledge Check #1
Suppose you have a log that is 13 feet 2 inches long with measurements of the diameter inside the bark at each end of 12 inches and 20 inches.
Use the Doyle rule to find how many board feet are in this log.
Answer: The log contains 52 board feet.
Knowledge Check #2
In Example 1, we determined that this log has a volume of 52 board feet. We can use that information to calculate the value.
Suppose you have a log that is 13 feet 2 inches long with measurements of the diameter inside the bark at each end of 12 inches and 20 inches.
The timber in this example sells for $7.65 per board foot. How much is this log worth?
Answer:
(52)($7.65) = $397.80
The log is worth $397.80.
Knowledge Check #3
In Example 2, we determined that the log has a value of $397.80. We can use this value to estimate the total value of your timber.
Suppose you have a log that is 13 feet 2 inches long with measurements of the diameter inside the bark at each end of 12 inches and 20 inches.
You have an estimated 200 trees of the same type and size as this one on your property. What is the value of your timber?
Answer:
(200)($397.80) = $79,560.00
The value of the timber is $79,560.00.