What percentage of an average tree is turned into bark, chips, or sawdust during the sawmilling process?

During the sawmilling process, a significant portion of an average tree is not used as final lumber products but is instead turned into byproducts such as bark, chips, and sawdust. This typically accounts for around 50% of the entire volume of the tree. The sawmilling process involves cutting and shaping the wood into usable sizes, which leads to the generation of these byproducts.

The conversion efficiency can vary based on the type of tree, the sawmilling techniques employed, and the intended use of the cut wood, but a 50% conversion into byproducts is a broadly accepted estimate in the industry. Understanding the byproduct yield is essential for forest management and maximizing the efficiency of timber utilization, highlighting the importance of considering the entire ecosystem and production cycle when assessing wood resources.