Define 'timber' in forestry.

Timber in forestry is defined as wood that is harvested for construction and other uses. This encompasses a wide range of applications, including the manufacturing of furniture, building materials, and various wood products. Timber is typically distinguished from other types of wood, such as firewood or ornamental wood, because it is specifically intended for commercial purposes and is often subjected to certain standards regarding quality and size.

Timber harvesting plays a crucial role in the forestry industry, as it involves the sustainable management of forest resources to provide materials that are essential for many sectors. Proper timber management also considers environmental impacts and aims to ensure that the forest ecosystem remains healthy while meeting human needs.

In contrast to timber, wood that is unused and left in a forest may contribute to the ecosystem but does not have the same economic value. Similarly, wood from large-diameter trees only represents a specific subset of timber, and not all timber needs to come from such trees. The notion of wood broken down into smaller pieces typically refers to processing techniques but doesn’t define timber itself, which encompasses the raw, unprocessed wood that is ready for harvest and use.