Variation of Wood Properties in Southern Red Oak

A study of six southern red oak (Quercus falcata) trees showed that various properties of the wood form definite patterns during the development of the tree. Contour diagrams of the various properties tested were developed for examining the wood characteristics on a whole-tree basis. Between-tree variations were found in trees growing on sites close together, but greater variation was observed within individual trees. In general, wood at the center of the tree was denser, harder, and tougher than that produced in later years, suggesting that shorter rotations for the species may be desirable. Specific gravity, percentage of latewood, side hardness, toughness, and percentage of latewood fibrous tissue were inversely related to both height in the tree and age from the center. Fiber length was directly related to height and age. The density of the wood was confirmed as closely related to the percentage of latewood in the annual ring. Mechanical properties were more closely related to specific gravity and percentage of latewood than to the quality of latewood tissues.

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