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TECHNOLOGY 43
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management depends primarily on the capacity to clearly to Bosela et al., when defining wood quality, all attributes
define, easily quantify, and collect wood quality attributes. influencing the processing and the value of the product at
The primary obstacle lies in defining wood quality itself, each stage of the manufacturing chain should be considered.
as it is a relative concept that cannot overlook the material’s Thus, it is challenging to parameterise, synthetically

intended use. The measurable attributes of a standing tree represent, and therefore measure or predict it already in
may not be sufficiently linked to the qualitative characteristics the standing tree. “Wood quality” does not refer to a single
of the wood product that will result after felling. Moreover, the attribute but can be described by several parameters. These
attributes defining wood quality can be various, and measuring parameters can be divided into three main categories: (1) visual
them often demands significant effort in terms of time and characteristics, which can be seen and measured externally
necessary equipment, which may not always be cost-effective. on the tree; (2) intrinsic properties; and (3) internal defects,
In the past, the technology available to measure wood which are not visible and can be detected, estimated, and
quality-related characteristics was limited, so assessments modelled only instrumentally.
focused on only a few attributes and relied on subjective This contribution focuses on the first one: the visible

measurements. Manual detection is sometimes impractical, attributes.
especially for tasks like identifying and measuring branches at Following an examination of the European harmonised
significant heights, and it is subject to operator subjectivity and technical standardisation, the authors were unable to identify a
experience. However, advancements in hardware and software document that defines the criteria for a qualitative classification
technology have opened up new possibilities, enhancing both of standing trees (stems).
the speed and accuracy of surveys. However, technical standards such as EN 1927 and EN
Therefore, the aims of this work are to review the scientific 1316 specify rules for classifying softwood and hardwood

literature to discuss (1) the attributes commonly measured and roundwood into four qualitative classes, respectively. While not
how they define wood quality already in standing trees; (2) all characteristics can be assessed in standing trees, some
the applicability of the techniques used for their assessment; can be directly related (for example, knots and branches).
(3) the effectiveness of these attributes and technologies in Among the attributes that are visually detectable even in
predicting quality; and ultimately, (4) areas where research standing trees, the two standards specify the size (diameter)
efforts should be concentrated in the immediate future to and straightness of the logs, and the number and size of
progress on wood quality evaluation are also identified. knots, to group the timber material into quality classes.
Again, from a technical regulatory perspective, National
Wood Quality and Attributes Forest Inventories (NFI) closely resemble technical standards

Quality, in general, and wood quality, in particular, cannot be as they necessitate the harmonisation of recorded information
defined in absolute terms but must always be linked to the
material’s intended use, i.e., the product to be manufactured, Paula
and consequently, to the satisfaction of specific requirements.
From a technical perspective, wood quality can be defined
by a combination of intrinsic characteristics, key attributes,
and factors influencing its suitability for specific applications.

Additionally, considering the economic aspect, market prices
and processing yields should not be overlooked. According