Limbs
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A limb is a branch or subdivision of the stem or an outgrowth from the stem. It may have been a primary branch from the pith of the main stem or have entered later from a latent or dormant bud. Dormant buds persist throughout the life of the tree at varying distances from the pith. In response to some stimuli, a bud will develop into a twig and proceed by annual growth to become an epicormic limb. Epicormic branches are identified by their tendancy to grow nearly parallel to the main tree stem and by an abrupt increase in diameter at the base. The bark of these branches retains a smooth or juvenile appearance to a much larger size than primary limbs.
Bark Distortion
Bird Peck

Bulge

Bumps
Burls
Butt Scars
Butt Swells
Cankers
Conks
Epicormic Branches
Flanges
Flutes
Forks
Galls
Holes
Knots
Lesions
Limbs
Ring Shake
Rot
Seams
Soak
Splits
Wounds

Significance: Limbs result in generally sound knots in the manufactured product.

In veneer logs, the knots from limbs always are log grade defects, but are admitted under the rule for standard defects.

In factory logs, all knots from limbs are log grade defects-regardless of size, condition, and character-since they reduce log usefulness as factory lumber.

In construction logs, the rules applying to knots also apply to limbs; namely, there is a size limitation. If the limbs exceed the size limitation or if they are smaller but arranged in whorls, they are defects that prevent a log from being assigned to this class.

In standing trees, limbs and other knot indicators are the largest group of log grade defects. Limbs nearly always indicate sound knots and usually are not accompanied by other defects. This makes assessing tree quality easier.