FNR-4
forestry & natural resources
WOODLAND MANAGEMENT 
How to Make and Use the Tree Measuring Stick
by W. L. Fix, Extension Forester
The tree measuring stick is used to estimate the number of board feet of lumber contained in a standing tree. Since the board foot is the most common unit of measurement used in estimating saw-timber-size trees, the tree measuring stick provides woodland owners a simple tool for making a woods inventory and for measuring trees to be harvested.
How to make a tree measuring stick
Blueprint paper forms of the Purdue Tree Measuring Stick are available from county Cooperative Extension Service offices or by writing the Extension Forester, Department of Forestry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907. The paper blueprint includes two forms which should be cut out and pasted to a wood blank 25 inches long, 1 -1/8 inches wide, and at least 1/4 inch thick. Rubber cement or a waterproof, clear household cement provides a good adhesion. The glue should be placed on the stick rather than the paper.
In attaching the two forms to the stick, make sure that the left hand edge of each form is even with the end of the stick. After the two forms have been pasted to the stick, trim and sand the corners of the stick so that the edge will be smooth. The stick should be covered with a clear water repellent to protect it in use. Commercially made tree measuring sticks are also available.
How to use the tree measuring stick
The three steps in using the tree measuring stick
are:
•	Measure tree diameter (DBH)
•	Estimate number of 12-foot logs
•	Read tree volume from the tree measuring stick
How to measure tree diameter (DBH)
To measure tree diameter (DBH), use the scale labeled “25-inch Reach—Diameter in Inches,” shown in Figure 1. Place the stick against the tree, with the “Tree Measuring Stick” side toward you and the zero end to your left, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Hold it at 4.5 feet above the ground, tangent and perpendicular to the tree, and exactly 25 inches from your eye to the tree (length of the stick). Now, slide the stick to the left or right until you sight past the zero end and can just see the left side of the tree, including the bark. Without moving the head or stick, glance at the number on the stick where your line of sight cuts the right side of the tree, including the bark. This number is the diameter of the tree. The largest and smallest diameters should be measured. An average of these two measurements is the tree diameter.
How to estimate 12-foot logs
Pace off a horizontal distance of 50 feet from the base of the tree, and face the tree to be measured, as shown in Figure 4. Grasp the stick between the fingers at a point about 2 inches above the base. This permits you to sight under the base of the stick to a point where the stump should be cut. Hold the stick straight up and down at exactly 25 inches from your eye with the scale, “50 Feet from Tree—Height in 12-Foot Logs,” toward you (see Figures 5 and 6). With the base of the stick even with the stump height (about 1.5 feet), and without moving the head or stick, sight past the right hand side of the stick to the tree. The points marked 1,2,3, and 4 indicate the top of 12-foot logs. Measure the usable height only, that is, to a minimum of 8 inches diameter at the top or to a usable limit, as indicated by heavy branches, forks, etc.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907