What Makes a Tree Veneer Quality
While certain trees are incredibly valuable, the range of prices associated with timber and logs of differing grades varies tremendously.
The reason for this range of values associated even with trees of a single species is multifaceted. The quality, and therefore the value of a tree depends greatly on a number of factors, most of which are essentially predetermined by the trees growing conditions.
Veneer Growing Conditions
Did the tree in question grow in a lush woods or in someone’s back yard?
Struggling for Sunlight Slow Growth in Canopies
Trees in mature, full-canopied woods grow tall, reaching for sunlight and developing long, limb-free trunks. They accumulate little diameter growth in the first 40-50% of their lifespan as they focus on reaching the canopy for full access to sunlight.
Even in perfect conditions for high-quality timber, several visible and invisible factors affect a tree’s value. The tree’s growing location plays a key role in increasing timber value. A tree growing in a dense canopy grows slower than one planted in full sunlight, while also preventing low-growing limbs and promoting tall, straight trunks.
high quality trees The slow maturation of these trees results in growth rings that are much closer together than they would be otherwise.. Furthermore, the finished wood and lumber products that are produced from such high quality trees will be denser and of higher quality.
Factors Affecting Timber Quality
Even when a tree grows in perfect conditions for high-quality timber, several visible and invisible factors affect its ultimate value. The tree’s genetics may prevent it from becoming veneer or prime quality, regardless of its growing conditions. In short, veneer-quality trees are rare, and even the best, most mature timber stands rarely produce a majority of them.
Veneer Trees in a Nutshell
1. Veneer trees are very straight and tall, without crooks, bends or bows of any significance. Veneer trees are solid with a high degree of material integrity and cannot contain rot in any area.
2.Veneer trees must have no limbs or scars from fallen limbs for at least 8 feet, ideally 10 feet, from the ground. The trunk must be solid and blemish-free. While some trees may be sold as 3-sided veneer (with small knots or limbs on one side), they will demand lower prices than trees that are clear on all four sides.
3.Veneer trees must have no limbs or scars for at least 8 feet, ideally 10 feet, from the ground. The trunk should be solid and blemish-free. Trees with small knots or limbs on one side may be sold as 3-sided veneer but will demand lower prices than 4-sided clear trees.
4. Veneer trees cannot have stains of any kind. This is an especially elusive criterion because it is impossible to tell whether or not the base of a log will be stained until the tree is cut down. Stains in the base of a log can be caused by non-ideal soil conditions and high concentrations of certain minerals. This is natural and unfortunately completely unavoidable
Impact of Livestock Grazing on Timber Quality
Livestock grazing is a common cause of stains or deterioration in logs. Even after decades, past grazing can affect timber when harvested. Livestock degrades timber value and should be avoided for commercial purposes. If your woods have been grazed, it likely eliminates the possibility of veneer-quality timber.
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