We're all familiar with the coloured marks that can often be seen on numerous trees during a Sunday stroll through the woods. But what looks at first sight like pretty graffiti is actually based strictly on logistics, and is a sophisticated form of reference in forest husbandry. Often simply called "markers", as the correct term used by foresters is "marking", it is a process that is used as an aid to the drivers of harvesting machines when thinning and for the timber harvest.
Types of marking
Today, foresters use spray paints, coloured tape made of plastic or paper fleece, coloured dots, marking chalk – and also still use timber scribers or an axe. The advantages of the most common practice here, marking with spray paints, are obvious:
1. Highly visible
2. Easy to use
3. Low transportation weight
However, the use of spray paints is not without its risks or disadvantages:
1. Toxic ingredients
2. Recurring procurement costs
3. The general appearance of the wood is reduced by large areas of marks
