Combined Investigation: Assessment of National and European Roundwood and Sawn Timber Grading Systems

Authors: University of Aberdeen

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to ascertain whether there was any correlation between outer stem characteristics (mainly different types of branches) and the quality of the sawn material produced (knot structure etc.). These “quality” characteristics were expressed using a number of national and European grading systems and therefore the study was as much an assessment of the usefulness of the grading systems as it was about tree physiology.