Timberlogs

Timberlogs are the cylindrical sections of trees prepared for processing into lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, or energy. They are produced by harvesting trees from managed forests and come in a range of species, diameters, lengths, and quality classes.

Key traits include species, straightness, taper, defects such as knots and cracks, and moisture content. Before milling, logs are de-limbed, debarked, and sorted into grades. They may be stored in log yards and transported to sawmills, pulpmills, or biomass facilities. Drying reduces moisture content; methods include air drying and kiln drying.

Processing converts logs into boards, planks, timbers, or engineered wood; smaller logs may be chipped for pulp. Logs are used in construction, carpentry, furniture, and decorative applications, and round timbers and veneers are specialized products.

Measurement and grading use log scale rules such as Scribner or Doyle; logs are priced by species, size, grade, and market demand. Standards for appearance and structural quality influence end uses and pricing.

Sustainability is supported by certification schemes like FSC and PEFC, which promote responsible harvesting, reforestation, and chain-of-custody. Forest management plans aim to balance timber supply with biodiversity, soil protection, and long-term forest health.

Processing waste such as bark and sawdust is often used for mulch, briquettes, or bioenergy; storage and handling require safety measures due to weight and machinery. Timberlogs thus link forest management with downstream wood products and energy markets.