Relationships between Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) branching type and timber

As there are different views concerning the relationship between branching type and timber quality, the present paper attempts to evaluate this relationship. The studies were carried out on 32 sample plots located within the boundaries of two natural ranges of Norway spruce in Poland: north-eastern and south-western. The selected trees were examined for the type of branching, height and diameter at breast height, timber quality, size classes or groups in a butt-end section, and kinds or varieties of wood defects having an effect on timber grade classification. The analyses did not show any clear relationship between branching type and timber quality of Norway spruce.