Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wetwood in White Fir

The presence or absence of wetwood in white fir had little effect on wood properties other than moisture content, while height of sample in the tree had a significant effect. Specific gravity and toughness were considerably higher at the butt than further up the stem. Shrinkage of both wetwood and sapwood similar to other results reported for the species. Six white fir trees from El Dorado County, Calif., ranging in diameter (dbh) from 21.3 to 51.6 inches, and in total height from 90 to 160 feet, were selected for sampling. The test method for toughness was ASTM standard for small clear specimens, with all testing performed in the green condition. The high density and strength of the typical wetwood (butt sample) and the absence of viable wood decay, fungi or microscopical evidence of decay indicated that in white fir extensive wet-wood can exist without being associated with incipient decay.

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