Predicting Product Yields from Thinnings in Appalachian Hardwoods

Abstract

Equations have been developed for estimating the volume per acre of sawlogs, sawbolts, and pulpwood of fuelwood that can be harvested by thinning hardwood stands of poletimber or small sawtimber size. These equations were derived from actual roundwood yields obtained by thinning 17 stands of Appalachian hardwoods in Virginia and West Virginia, and measuring the product volume of each cut tree 5.0 inches in d.b.h. and larger. If the amount of basal area to be removed per 2-inch d.b.h. class is known, the equations facilitate estimates of alternative yields from thinnings and help identify opportunities for multiproduct harvesting.