Trädelen

Trädelen is a term used in Swedish forestry and woodworking to denote the part of a tree that constitutes the main trunk, as distinct from branches, roots, or the crown. The word combines trä (wood or tree) with delen (the part). In practice, trädelen commonly refers to the straight, central stem that is suitable for timber production after pruning away limbs.

In forestry and sawmilling, trädelen is evaluated by dimensions such as diameter at breast height and the length of the usable portion, as well as by quality indicators like straightness, presence of knots, cracks, heartwood rot, and other defects. The value of the trädelen in a stand influences harvest planning and pricing; higher-grade trädelen yield lumber with fewer defects and longer, more uniform pieces.

Variation by species and site affects trädelen characteristics. Softwoods such as pine and spruce often produce straighter trunks with favorable sections for long timbers, while hardwoods like birch may require different grading criteria. Regional practices and historical forestry manuals sometimes use the term more than contemporary, generalized timber terminology.

See also: stam (stem), krona (crown), kvist (branch), virke (lumber), timmer (timber processing). Further reading in Swedish forestry literature provides context for how trädelen is described and assessed in different regions and time periods.