Lumber grade recovery from a second-growth pine operation in California

The results of this study show that a system of simple log grades based upon surface characteristics may be useful in working with second-growth ponderosa pine grown at medium elevations. Such log grades can provide a basis for improved appraisals of both logs and standing timber by enabling a more accurate prediction of probable lumber grade recovery. In the study area there appeared to be little benefit from grading logs with scaling diameters of less than 14 inches by the particular system used. Above this diameter, however, the differences in lumber grade recovery between log grades increased rapidly.

The study also shows that untended stands of second-growth ponderosa pine yield a fair quality of lumber running largely to common grades. The economic aspects of improving grade recovery by pruning require separate study.