Log grade prediction for standing yellow-poplar trees in eastern Kentucky

摘要

Information on the quality of logs in standing trees can aid resource managers and landowners in maximizing returns from timber harvests. However, little is published about the grade of logs in yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) stands. In this study, discriminant analysis was used to develop classification functions to predict USDA Forest Service Log Grades for standing yellow-poplar trees in eastern Kentucky. The variables used to predict log grade are those commonly collected during forest inventory. This analysis indicates the importance of log position, merchantable height, and tree grade to log grade determination. The classification functions developed from the modeling data set correctly classified 80.9% of the log grades in a validation data set. These results provide a framework to resource managers and landowners for assessing yellow-poplar log quality in standing trees.