Potentials for Controlling Bark Percentage of the Commercial Tree Species of British Columbia

Abstract

Diameters inside and outside bark from 13 sections were used to define variation in bark percentages for 33 844 trees representing 28 major groups of the commercial tree species of British Columbia. The range of age, height, dbh, and dbh/height associated with each group was determined. Statistical significance of effects of these factors and of up to 12 inventory zones was determined for double bark thickness as a percentage of dbh. Bole bark volumes were compared with wood volumes for trees exceeding two standard deviations of bark percentage at breast height. Thick barked trees were more common and a few have equal portions of wood and bark. Our description of the characteristics of the trees with least or most bark should help guide tree improvement programs. Identification of the extent to which stand factors can influence average bark characteristics may help timber managers grow trees of desired bark proportions.