Wood Star Grading System™

Our commitment to sustainability is not just a catchphrase; it's an integral part of who we are. At Wolf Tree Wood, we hold our Tree-birth Certified™ logs in the highest regard, as they form the bedrock of our sustainability mission. Through our rigorous Tree-birth Certified™ process, we meticulously evaluate the circumstances surrounding a tree's felling. Our primary goal is to ensure that no healthy live trees are ever harvested for profit. Instead, we exclusively source logs from trees that have naturally fallen, ailing trees nearing the end of their natural life cycle, or trees that have been transformed into logs for reasons unrelated to monetary gain. Each log undergoes thorough analysis based on specific criteria. No logs will ever be processed by Wolf Tree Wood that do not have, at a minimum, a one-star rating in the Tree-rebirth category.

From a stability and workability perspective, the Wood-Dry Certified™ category holds paramount importance. Slabs dried in the VacDry system offer unparalleled quality. These slabs maintain their natural appearance and experience minimal degradation. Proper drying is crucial for a wood slab’s ability to accept a high-quality finish. The VacDry kiln system ensures the least stressful and gentle drying process, preventing warping and eliminating "case hardening" often associated with other drying methods.

The historical significance of a wood slab adds a unique dimension to its value. Knowing that a slab was part of a giant tree overlooking a scenic sheep farm or that Civil War soldiers enjoyed maple syrup from its sap 160 years ago makes it a one-of-a-kind heirloom. Our proprietary Wood Star Grading System™ enables us to evaluate a tree's history and assign a grade based on criteria such as national or local historical significance, Native American relevance, military history, and tree ancestry.

The Ultra Rare Classification quantifies exceptional grain and figure patterns, such as curl, feathering, quilting, burl, or unique patterns. While somewhat unpredictable, this category identifies slabs with extraordinary characteristics that may not have been evident when the log was whole. Specific criteria, including unique figure and grain patterns, inclusions, species rarity, size, shape, and coloration, are used for analysis.

This category assesses the quality of the slab post-kiln drying, considering factors like straightness, cracks, degradation, checks, splits, ring shake, warping, twisting, instability, rips and tears. Our commitment to delicate handling and precise processes ensures that the slabs we offer meet the highest standards of quality, providing woodworkers with exceptional materials for their projects.