What does merchantable timber mean?

Answer 1

Merchantable timber means standing trees that have commercial value as millstock. Generally referred to as "merch" or "murch" the condition is determined by a number of factors.

One of the most important is tree species. Some species have little or no value as lumber and cannot be milled at a profit. An example would be One-seed Juniper. These species are usually referred to as "weed trees."

Another significant factor is size. If the height or breast-height diameter (DBH) is too small, the tree won't produce logs that can be successfully milled.

Another factor is soundness. If the tree is rotted, shattered, lightning struck, or diseased, it cannot be milled for enough lumber to offset the cost of harvest.

There are other factors, such as difficulty of terrain, lack of access, distance to the mill, or market health that may make harvesting stands that otherwise would have merchantable timber unprofitable. Such condition may make the timber unmerchantable.

Answer 2

Merchantable timber refers to trees or wood products that are of a quality and size suitable for commercial use or sale in the market. Typically, merchantable timber meets certain standards in terms of minimum dimensions, lack of defects, and other characteristics that make it valuable for wood products such as construction lumber or pulp and paper.