Detailed analysis of the geometric relationship between external traits and the shape of red heartwood in beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.)

Content of Total Phenols in Red Heart and Wound-Associated Wood in Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

“…The second stage is the discoloring phase, which is decidedly facultative, depending on the potential entry of oxygen into the already existing dehydrated core (Torelli, 1984). Dead and broken branches, branch scars, forks or wounds in the crown are possible routes for oxygen entrance (Torelli, 1984;Wernsdörfer et al, 2005). It is assumed, however, that oxygen is not the only factor involved in red heart formation but could act by affecting the activity of microorganisms (Sorz and Hietz, 2008).…”

“…Beech is therefore a tree species that develops discolored wood in the core of the stem, which is commonly referred to as red heart, red heartwood, facultatively colored heartwood, false heartwood or red core (Bosshard, 1974;Torelli, 1984;Shigo, 1986;Sachsse, 1991;Wernsdörfer et al, 2005). Typical red heart is located in the central part of the stem, it is reddish to brownish, rounded and uniform in color or of cloudy appearance in cross-section (Sachsse, 1991).…”

Quantitative HPLC Analysis of Catechin in Wound- Associated Wood and Knots of Beech

“…Beech wood has a favorable density and relatively homogenous structure, satisfactory workability and exceptionally good steam bending properties, which makes beechwood an all-purpose wood with a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from furniture, especially curved and turned parts of chairs, parquet, boats, toys, textile weaving shuttles, tool handles, piano parts, railway sleepers, veneer, plywood, particle and fiber boards, pulp and paper to food containers, because it does not impart taste or odor (Torelli, 1994). One of the main deficiencies of this tree species is its tendency to develop discolored wood in the central part of the tree, often called red heart, red heartwood, facultatively colored heartwood, false heartwood or red core (Bosshard, 1974;Torelli, 1984;Shigo, 1986;Sachsse, 1991;Wernsdörfer et al, 2005). As opposed to normal wood, discolored beech wood is characterized by its unfavorable technological properties, including hard impregnation, problems in drying processes and veneer production and esthetic insufficiency (Koch et al, 2000;Pöhler et al, 2006).…”

Influence of the Sawing Method on Yield of Beech Logs with Red Heartwood

“…Knoke (2003) reported that the appearance and size of red heartwood was influenced by diameter, height and age of a tree, its branchiness, share of crown in total height of a tree and the width of growth rings, but that the greatest influence came from tree dimensions and age. Wernsdörfer et al (2005) researched the relation between shape and size of red heartwood and stem external features (dead branches, branch scars, wounds, cracks, forks) and stated that the influence of scars was notable in some cases and that it was related to the size of the defect and the rate of entrance of oxygen into the tree.…”