blade passes through the log, solid wood is turned into sawdust.  Similarly, there are slabs and edges that will not be used to make boards either (see Illustration 2).  This wood is not wasted, however.  Sawdust and slabs and edgings are further processed and are often used to make panel-type products such as particleboard.  'Waste' wood can also be burned at the processing plant to generate steam which is, in turn, used to run turbines and generate power for the processing plant.  With technology ever increasing, little wood is ever wasted.

Illustration 2.  When a log is cut up into boards, wood is lost to sawdust created by the saw blade (saw kerf - black lines) and to slabs and edgings (gray areas).

How to Determine the Diameter Measurement

Tree diameter is the most important measurement of standing trees. The point of measurement is 4 1/2 feet above the ground line , a point referred to as "diameter breast height" or "DBH." Diameters are usually measured to the nearest inch, but where large numbers of trees are to be scaled, 2-inch diameter classes are used.

The tree scale stick used to measure the tree's diameter and its height needs to be calibrated for the length of your reach.  Determining your "full arm" reach is simple.  All you will need is a yardstick.  Have a partner stand to either side of  your body.  Put the zero-end of the yardstick up to your eye and full extend your arm along the yardstick.  The distance between your eye and the end of your thumb is your "full arm" reach (see photo 1).  Have your partner read this distance off on the yardstick.  Once you know this distance, you can select the appropriate length tree scale stick for your reach.  There are three tree scale sticks that can be downloaded from the Forestry Judging web site; a 20-inch reach stick, a 23-inch reach stick, and a 25-inch reach stick.  If your "full arm" reach is between 20-23 inches, select the 20-inch reach stick.  If your "full-arm" reach is between

Photo 1.  Determining Your 'Reach' is Easy Using a Yardstick.  Place the Zero-end of the Yardstick at Your Eye and Fully Extend Your Arm.  Read the Measurement at the End of Your Thumb.  Click Photo to Enlarge - 34 KB