A method and system for detecting and controlling the quality of debarking at the surface of a wooden log provide information on main parameters related to the debarking quality of the log surface, including fiber loss and residual bark. The debarking quality detecting method and system involve measurement of three-dimensional profile of at least a portion of the log surface to generate corresponding profile image data, which is processed to generate data indicative of the texture of the log surface. The texture data is then analyzed to generate resulting data on the debarking quality parameters. That quality indicative information can be generated on a continuous basis to provide an objective assessment of the quality performance in real-time in view of target productivity, and may then be used to perform optimal adjustments of the debarker operating parameters, either manually by the operator or automatically through feedback control.