A timber cruise is an inventory of your trees, usually done by sample measurements taken at 

points throughout the forest, to determine approximate timber volumes per acre. The more 

data collected, the more accurate the estimate. Data can be stratified by grouping the 

information into stands. The area is determined for each stand so the total volume can be 

calculated. This provides a fairly accurate estimate which can be useful for 

forest management, financial planning, timber appraisals, valuation for loans, basis 

calculations, and many other uses. Data collected can also provide insight into the health of 

the forest, species present, susceptibility to fire, insects, or disease, and lend clues as to how 

to improve the timber and wildlife habitat through management.