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Abstrakt

The aim of this paper is to compare the current and potentially achievable wood saleability of trees damaged by browsing or peeling by red deer. Other parameters of logged trees as average height, height of range of rot and the rate of its spreading in relation to the age of stands were also determined. The objective of the study were seven spruce stands that fall under the third to eight age level. Each tree intended for logging was recorded under a unique identification number (ID) and classified into categories according to its health condition and possible damage. After felling, each tree was measured within one meter sections, and possible occurrence of defects affecting the classification into predefined quality classes (timber assortments) was also recorded for each section. Eventually, volumes of individual assortments were determined for each damaged tree as well as alternate volumes of assortments (rots were not considered) subjected for later comparison. Average rot range varied depending on the age of stand, and it ranged from 1.25 m in the third age class to 4.38 m in the seventh age class. Differences in saleability varied from 97 CZK/m3 in the third age class to 510 CZK/m3 in the seventh age class. The paper is helpful for the economics of forest management, and presented results have practical benefits for forest enterprises.