The Wood Quality of Small-Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) Trees in an Urban Area: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study performed a pilot evaluation of the wood quality—defined by a single parameter: dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn, N mm−2)—of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) trees in urban areas. A search of the literature revealed few studies which examined the specifics of tree wood development in urban areas. Little is known about the potential of wood from urban trees wood of their suitability for the timber industry. In this study, an acoustic velocity measuring system was used for wood quality assessment of small-leaved lime trees. The MOEdyn parameter was evaluated for small-leaved lime trees growing in two urban locations (along the streets, and in an urban park), with an additional sample of forest sites taken as the control. MOEdyn was also assessed for small-leaved lime trees visually assigned to different health classes. The obtained mean values of MOEdyn of 90–120-year old small-leaved lime trees in urban areas ranged between 2492.2 and 2715.8 N mm−2. For younger trees, the values of MOEdyn were lower in the urban areas than in the forest site. Otherwise, the results of the study showed that the small-leaved lime wood samples were of relatively good quality, even if the tree was classified as moderately damaged (which could cause a potential risk to the community). Two alternatives for urban tree management can be envisaged: (1) old trees could be left to grow to maintain the sustainability of an urban area until their natural death, or (2) the wood from selected moderately damaged trees could be used to create wood products, ensuring long-term carbon retention.

The effect of moisture content over the fibre saturation points on the impact strength of wood

“…Trunks of four linden trees were provided from a street in the centre of Brno, Czech Republic. It is worth mentioning that some studies showed environmental factors in urban regions can negatively impact tree growth and the wood quality of full-grown trees compared with remote regions [ 35 ]. Planks of wood were cut from the trunks, and the test specimens were made from these planks.…”

“…Linden is usually used to manufacture boxes and crates, wood turning and furniture manufacturing [ 33 ]. Several studies have focused on the assessment of the mechanical properties of linden wood under impact loading [ 34 , 35 ] and the affecting parameters on the impact strength, such as temperature [ 36 ], or with an aim to determine them for being used as a material properties input in finite-element method (FEM) [ 37 ].…”

Changes in Antioxidative Compounds and Enzymes in Small-Leaved Linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) in Response to Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Infestation

“…In addition, the small-leaved linden is an important species for urban and recreational forestry and open landscapes. These trees are often planted singly or in groups along roads and in urban parks [ 11 ]. Linden trees are distinguished by several advantages, particularly a compact leaf crown, shade tolerance, tolerance to various soil conditions, and resistance to wind and stressful urban conditions, such as smoke, dirt, dust, and air pollution [ 12 ].…”