A Drying Study of 4/4 Lumber from Gypsy Moth-Killed Red and White Oak

A study was undertaken to evaluate the drying characteristics of lumber from insect-killed red and white oak trees dead less than I year, 2 to 4 years, and over 5 years compared to lumber from live trees of both species groups. After sawing, the 4/4 lumber was scaled and graded before and after drying to 7 percent moisture content (MC) using three schedules: a regular kiln schedule, air-drying to 20 percent MC followed by kiln-drying using a regular kiln schedule, and a mild kiln schedule. The drying times were similar for both species groups using the regular and mild kiln schedules. The red oak lumber from trees dead 2 to 4 years and 5 years and longer had significantly more surface checks, ring failure, and significantly less warp than did the lumber from the control (live) trees. Red and white oak lumber from trees dead less than 2 years may be successfully dried using a regular kiln schedule. Lumber from trees dead 5 years and longer showed a significant loss in upper grade lumber after drying using a regular kiln schedule. This grade reduction was minimized in both species groups by using a mild kiln schedule.

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