Forest Terminology Explained

Glossary

While undertaking research, you or your students may come across some terms that may need explaining, so we have made it easy for you below. 

*FURTHER INFORMATION: The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (ABARES) has produced an "Australia's forests and forestry glossary" (2020) found here -
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/forestsaustralia/glossary

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L

Land capability

The ability of the land to sustain a type and intensity of use without permanent damage.

Landing

A selected or prepared area to which logs are hauled for sorting, processing, loading or stockpiling.

Leaf

Part of a plant which grows from the stem, makes up the plant's foliage. Photosynthetic organ.

Leaf litter

Mixture of fallen and dead plant material on the forest floor, made up of leaves, bark, stems and branches.

Lignin

An organic carbon compound found in cell walls of plants. It helps conduct water in living trees and provides structural strength.

Lignotuber

Swollen underground root structure developed by most eucalypts, capable of sprouting new shoots if the tree is damaged. Also see copice.

Log

To cut trees into logs; to cut down trees for timber; a portion of cut tree trunk or branch.

Log landing

Area where logs are accumulated prior to loading on trucks. See landing.

Logging

The process of cutting down trees for wood. Also see harvesting.

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