1. What is a Standing Tree Board Foot Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the board feet of lumber that can be obtained from a standing tree using the Doyle log rule approximation.

Purpose: It helps foresters, loggers, and landowners estimate the potential lumber yield from trees before harvesting.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Doyle rule formula:

Where:

• \( Diameter \) — Tree diameter at breast height (inches)
• \( Height \) — Merchantable height of the tree (feet)
• \( Scale\ Factor \) — Adjustment factor (typically 0.79)

Explanation: The Doyle rule provides an approximation of board foot volume by squaring the diameter, multiplying by height and a scale factor, then dividing by 16.

3. Importance of Board Foot Calculation

Details: Accurate volume estimation helps in timber valuation, harvest planning, and sustainable forest management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above ground), enter merchantable height (usable trunk length), and use the default scale factor (0.79) unless you have specific data.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the Doyle log rule?
A: It's a common method for estimating board foot volume that tends to underestimate volume for small logs and overestimate for large logs.

Q2: Why use a scale factor?
A: The scale factor accounts for taper, defects, and the difference between standing tree volume and actual lumber yield.

Q3: What's a typical scale factor?
A: 0.79 is common, but this can vary from 0.65 to 0.90 depending on species and region.

Q4: How do I measure merchantable height?
A: Measure from stump height (typically 1 foot) to the point where trunk diameter becomes too small for usable lumber (often 6-8 inches).

Q5: Are there other log rules?
A: Yes, common alternatives include Scribner and International 1/4" rules, each with different calculation methods.