• Pelletier, Gaetan
  Northern Hardwoods Research Institute
  
• Landry, Diane
  Northern Hardwoods Research Institute
  
• Girouard, Monique
  Northern Hardwoods Research Institute
  

For many forest management activities, the knowledge of single-tree external stem attributes is critical to the decision making process. As an example, it is important to take into account tree vigor and health when choosing a silvicultural system and prescriptions. Stem form and crown shape are in turn useful information in determining product potential, as well as predicting harvesting and processing costs.

Currently, there is no known tree classification system in New Brunswick that provides the necessary information to make silvicultural decisions, predict product distribution, and determine harvesting and processing costs. Tree classification systems used in other jurisdictions were investigated, but we could not find one that met all of our requirements. While most existing systems only provide information for a single purpose such as product determination or overall health, others provide a general subjective rating that limits usefulness at later times and for purposes that are different than that of the original intent.

To be useful for making forest management decisions, a tree-level classification system should not only consider the current state of the tree but allow the assessor to predict the long-term potential of the whole tree by looking at vigor and health. This information is used not only to estimate the product value of a tree at the present time but is also used to predict future growth and the evolution of its quality.

Given these needs, it was decided to create a new classification system that would have the following attributes:

 Able to assist in silvicultural decisions, determine product potential and harvesting implications;

 Applicable at the tree level but integrated in inventory and forest management planning activities at all scales;

 Easy to implement, flexible and adaptable;

 Focused on key variables rather than determining “grades”;

 Linkable with existing systems from other jurisdictions;

 Predictions such as product breakdowns for tree classes are outputs determined through ad-hoc studies.

Despite its many features, the tree classification system presented in this guide is a simple tool for objectively classifying hardwood trees as well as softwoods. It is intended to become a reference system for forestry professionals, managers and researchers creating a common language to describe trees.

In addition to improve the manager’s ability to characterize trees, the new tree classification system will enhance the overall picture of the forest inventory and will also be used in forestry development surveys (FDS), permanent sample plots (PSP), research sites, and in other forest inventory programs. This system should also be integrated with the growth & yield processes already in place in New Brunswick. It will also provide data to generate management information from remote sensing tools, linking the observed characteristics with the key tree attributes.

Note that log grading is not covered by this system or in this guide. This type of classification represents a different activity, usually presented in scaling guidelines of the relevant jurisdiction.