A classification for trees with a diameter at breast height typically between 5 and 9 inches for softwoods, or up to 11 inches for hardwoods. These trees have grown past the sapling stage but have not yet reached sawtimber size. Foresters inventory this class to project future harvest volumes or to plan thinning operations that supply pulpwood or fence posts.
The east block is heavily stocked with poletimber, so we're scheduling a commercial thin next winter.
In a timber cruise, poletimber is usually measured by the cord or by weight, whereas sawtimber is measured by board feet.
Also heard as
- pole timber
- poles
Related terms
Breastheight
The standard reference elevation for measuring tree trunk diameter.
Stand
A contiguous group of trees uniform enough to be managed as a single unit.
Stocking
The ratio of actual tree density in an area compared to the ideal density for optimal growth.
Softwood
Wood derived from gymnosperm trees, typically conifers with needles and cones.
Hardwood
Broadleaved trees that reproduce by flowers and typically shed their leaves in autumn.