Use the calculator to estimate cedar tree value as sawtimber (board feet), as a single log, or as a landscape tree (CTLA trunk formula). For sawtimber value, enter DBH, merchantable height (in 16‑ft logs), stumpage price, and any defect/deduction. Results are estimates—actual value depends on grade, access/haul distance, and local markets.
Related Calculators
Cedar Tree Value Formula
When a price is given in $/board foot, you must first estimate the tree’s board-foot volume (commonly via a log rule such as International 1/4, Scribner, or Doyle). Then convert volume to dollars using the stumpage price. (A board foot is a volume of 144 cubic inches = 12 in × 12 in × 1 in.)
CTV = BF_{net}\cdot P,\quad BF_{net}=BF_{gross}\left(1-\frac{Defect}{100}\right)Variables:
- CTV is the estimated cedar tree value ($)
- BFgross is the estimated gross board feet (from a log rule)
- Defect is the deduction percentage (%)
- BFnet is the estimated net board feet after deductions
- P is the stumpage price ($/BF). If price is given in $/MBF, then P = (price per MBF) ÷ 1000.
To calculate cedar sawtimber value, estimate board feet first (using an appropriate log rule/volume method), apply any defect deduction, and multiply by the price per board foot. The calculator’s Landscape (CTLA) tab uses a different approach based on trunk area and rating factors.
How to Calculate Cedar Tree Value?
The following steps outline how to calculate an estimated cedar tree value from board feet.
- Measure DBH (diameter at breast height, 4.5 ft above ground).
- Estimate merchantable height (e.g., number of usable 16‑ft logs) and choose a log rule (International 1/4, Scribner, or Doyle).
- Estimate gross board feet (BFgross) using the selected log rule for the merchantable logs.
- Estimate defect/deduction (%) and compute net board feet: BFnet = BFgross × (1 − Defect/100).
- Convert price to $/BF (if needed) and calculate value: CTV = BFnet × P.
- Check your results using the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
DBH = 20 inches
Merchantable height = 2 usable 16‑ft logs
Stumpage price = $0.60 per board foot
Log rule = International 1/4, Defect/Deduction = 10% (using the calculator’s default assumptions for taper and bark)
Estimated results (from the calculator): Gross volume ≈ 390 BF, Net volume ≈ 351 BF, Estimated value ≈ $210.76 per tree.
