Which description best defines a butt log?

• A. A log that is round or only slightly oval in cross-section and typically 16' long with a DBH of 20" or more.
• B. A log from the top of the tree.
• C. A log used for fence posts.
• D. A log with a diameter less than 10 inches.

Answer: (A)

A butt log is the large, base portion of a tree trunk—the part where the diameter is greatest. It’s typically described as about 16 feet long and with a diameter at breast height of 20 inches or more, reflecting the substantial cross-section that makes this portion valuable for lumber. This description matches the concept by specifying both the location (at the base) and the sizable cross-section that characterizes a butt log. The other options don’t fit: a log from the top of the tree isn’t the base portion, fence posts usually come from smaller, straighter sections, and a diameter under 10 inches would be too small to be considered a butt log.