Using wood quality measures to evaluate second-growth redwood

Abstract

Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) a valued species for use in appearance grade applications, such as decking, exterior siding and interior paneling, because of its dimensional stability. It is also valued for certain exterior-use applications because of its natural decay resistance. Studies have found that young-growth redwood is less resistant to decay fungi, and also exhibits greater shrinkage and swelling than old-growth redwood. Differences in natural decay resistance and dimensional stability between old-growth and young-growth could be accounted for by changes in the extractives found in the heartwood and changes in themicrofibril angle(MFA) in the S2 layer of the cell wall, respectively. Can silvicultural practices that influence growth rate be used to enhance the natural decay resistance and dimensionally stability of second-growth redwood? The objectives of this preliminary study were to 1) review anatomical characteristics of redwood that influence in-service performance and 2) present results of measurements made from second-growth redwood stumps that showed different growth rates. Decay testing data is not available.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the coast redwood forests in a changing California: A symposium for scientists and managers

Citation

Quarles, Stephen L.; Vlachovic, Yana. 2012. Using wood quality measures to evaluate second-growth redwood. In: Standiford, Richard B.; Weller, Theodore J.; Piirto, Douglas D.; Stuart, John D., tech. coords. Proceedings of coast redwood forests in a changing California: A symposium for scientists and managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-238. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. pp. 553-559.