Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for labelling individual pieces of lumber by stapling a tag on the end portion of the lumber. A totally automated system is provided whereby the pieces of lumber move on a conveyor and over a sensor which activates a stapler to secure a tag on the end of a piece of lumber. A roller is disposed adjacent the sensor so that, after a tag is secured to the end portion of a piece of lumber, the end portion of the piece of lumber is raised on the roller to reset the sensor for stapling a tag on the next piece of lumber on the conveyor. A tag or label dispenser apparatus is disposed immediately adjacent the stapler. A second sensor is set to activate the tag dispenser to deliver a tag for stapling on the end of a succeeding piece of lumber as soon as a tag has been stapled to the preceding piece of lumber.