Symposium: Timber Quality of Radiata Pine at Woodhill Forest

Authors: I.D. Whiteside
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1964, Issue N.Z.J.For. 9(2) 1964, pp 171-183, Aug 1964
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The timber quality of untended stands of radiata pine at Woodhill Forest is significantly superior to that of untended stands of the Rotorua region or of Southland. The timber is superior in both board and framing grades. In addition, the density of the timber is higher. However, the timber quality of Maramarua radiata pine is equal or slightly superior to that of Woodhill.
The high quality of the Woodhill radiata is attributable mainly to the low incidence of bark-encased knots and bark pockets associated with knots, the small average branch size, and the relatively innocuous nature of the pith. Also, stem cones appear to be less prevalent.
However, compared with the Rotorua region or Southland there is not the same scope for improvement in timber quality by the application of tending. This is because relatively high quality timber is obtainable without tending, and also because of the fact that final crop trees will be significantly smaller than in Rotorua or Southland, and consequently clearwood yields will be lower. Second log pruning is clearly a more unattractive proposition than in other areas,
Tending carried out in past years is unlikely to result in any great improvement in timber quality. However, it is considered that, with the application of more drastic pruning and thinning schedules, tending can still yield attractive dividends. Under a suggested tending schedule, the average realization is likely to be higher than from tended stands at Rotorua or Southland, even although the clearwood yield will be lower.
The need to integrate tending schedules with market requirements is stressed.

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