The term sawlog refers to that part of a tree stem that will be processed at a sawmill

Sawmill

A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....

. This is in contrast to those other parts of the stem that are designated pulpwood

Pulpwood

Pulpwood refers to timber with the principal use of making wood pulp for paper production.-Applications:* Trees raised specifically for pulp production account for 16% of world pulp production, old growth forests 9% and second- and third- and more generation forests account for the balance...

. The differences are that sawlogs will be greater in diameter, straighter and have a lower knot frequency.

Sawlogs most often come from the "butt end" of the stem and are the most financially valuable part of the tree

Tree

A tree is a perennial woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance. A minimum height specification at maturity is cited by some authors, varying from 3 m to...

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