Which factor is least likely to affect the accuracy of cruising for timber value?

When assessing the value of timber through cruising, specific factors play crucial roles. Species, size, and road access are significant because they directly influence the timber's value and marketability.

Species of the timber affects its market price since certain types are more sought after due to their characteristics, such as durability or aesthetic appeal. Size is also vital because larger trees typically yield more lumber, thereby increasing their overall value. Road access is crucial as well since it dictates how easily timber can be transported to mills or markets, influencing its sellability and therefore its market value.

Age, while it may have some bearing on timber quality, is often not as significant in the immediate financial assessment as the other factors. Timber value doesn't uniformly increase with age; instead, it's more about the maturity of the tree and its market demand. As such, while age can impact growth quality and future timber yield, it is less critical in the current valuation of timber compared to the other factors mentioned.