A field assessment of central Appalachian hardwood log bucking and merchandising practices

An assessment of central Appalachian hardwood log bucking was conducted on six sites across West Virginia. Data were collected from crews using chain saw felling and cable skidding or feller-buncher and grapple skidder systems. A total of 300
stems were measured in the field including mostly red oak species (Quercus spp.), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and black cherry (Prunus serotina). Diameter and shape of each stem were recorded at 4-foot increments along the stem. Defect type, size, and location were also recorded. Number of logs bucked per stem, total log volume and value, stem utilization, product type, and bucking sequences were analyzed among species, stem size, and buckers experience. Average log volume ranged from 12.6 to 1,275 board feet in Doyle scale. Log utilization per stem length ranged from 42.2 to 100 percent, while log utilization per total height ranged from 18.6 to 85.7 percent. Sawlogs were bucked as the first log 63.3 percent of the time followed by peeler logs at 31 percent. Sawlogs and peeler logs were bucked at a high percentage until the fifth and sixth logs from a stem. Species, tree stem dimension, defects, and buckers experience all significantly affected log bucking and merchandising practices in the region.

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