Tree age and growth rate are the major factors explaining heartwood formation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Heartwood proportion is highest at a relative height of 20–30 percent in individual trees. Scots pine heartwood has advantages compared to sapwood. Heartwood contains extractives which make it durable against wood-destroying fungi. Furthermore, pit aspiration reduces moisture uptake ensuring dimensional stability. In modern sawmills, heartwood zone in saw logs is determined by X-ray scanning which enables the optimization of the sawing-setup for heartwood sawing. Doors and window frames belong to the most important products made of pine heartwood. Furthermore, pine heartwood can be used in non-covered situations above ground as a substitute for impregnated wood when moderate service life is expected.
Keywords: Scots pine, heartwood formation
Authors
Rikala J.
Department of Forest Resource Management, University of Helsinki
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