Log grading and scaling

Log Scaling, specializing in saw mill recovery studies

Forest Inventory Group can determine the gross and net volume of logs. The Associates can also determine the grade and sort of logs, and are experienced at marking buck cuts on long logs to improve grade or sort.

Hardwood Tree and Log Grading

Forest Inventory Group offers a unique hardwood grading service that can accurately predict the amount of upper grade lumber hardwood trees or logs will yield.

The grade of a hardwood tree or log segment is not simply determined by the specimen's diameter. The specimen's bark surface must be examined and the presence & position of defect indicators noted to accurately determine the grade. We use the "Kenna" grading protocol developed by the US Forest Service to determine the grade, which then reveals to us how much upper grade lumber can be recovered from the specimen.

Upper grade recovery can vary from 70% of the net volume for specimens graded "F1" down to 0% for specimens that fall below the three factory grades. Knowing the grade of a tree or log specimen before hand, can allow a client to determine if that specimen has a higher value processed into lumber or if it should be sold by the ton to the chip or firewood markets.

For "F1" or "F2" grade specimens, a client could recover a net value of at least $110 per ton if he has the wood processed into lumber as opposed to recovering a net value of just $5 a ton (or less) if the same quantity of material is sold to the chip market.

Timber and Log Buying and Marketing

Forest Inventory Group can assist the client to procure timber or logs that best fit the client's requirements. The Associates can also facilitate the marketing of the client's timber or logs at the best prices. Forest Inventory Group can advise clients on alternative wood product production and marketing; including advice on remote site saw-milling of specialty lumber products.