Table 5 Decay class characteristics by Maser et al. (1979)

I

Texture intact, circular, natural color of wood, bark intact, branches < 3 cm, log leaning on branches

II

Texture intact, circular, natural color of wood, bark slightly damaged, no branches < 3 cm, log begins to sink

III

Texture larger hard fragments, circular, faded color of wood, fragmented bark, no branches < 3 cm, almost entire log on the ground

IV

Texture small pieces, oval shape, faded color of wood, no bark, no branches < 3 cm, entire log on the ground

V

Texture soft and loose, oval shape, faded color of wood, no bark, no branches < 3 cm, entire on the ground