With some practice, merchantable heights in log and half-log units can be estimated quite accurately, particularly for trees with short merchantable heights. Once the diameter at breast height and the merchantable height of a tree have been measured, Table 1 or 2 may be used to estimate its volume in board feet. When using these tables, it is important to remember that only that portion of the trunk that will produce a useable product should be measured. Portions of the trunk or entire trunks that are hollow, excessively crooked, rotten, etc. should not be measured. You may hear foresters or buyers talking about gross and net volume.
Net volume is the estimated tree volume with proper deductions made for defects.
Reference handbook for foresters. Reference handbook for foresters. All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.