TECHNIQUES: NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF TREES

We developed an experimental technique to evaluate wood properties in standing trees. The technique utilizes two accelerometers coupled to a digital oscilloscope. With this technique, we were able to obtain relatively accurate and reliable stress wave information that could be utilized to predict the mechanical properties of wood from trees. We believe that this technique provides a good in-situ estimate of wood quality and strength. The results indicate that this method may be used in the future to determine how forests could be managed to meet desired wood and fiber qualities.