Ring Width, Density and Wood Anatomy of Douglas Fir with Different Crown Vitality

Abstract

The correlations of density, cell wall percentage, number of cells per cross sectional surface area, latewood percentage and ring width are analysed within growth rings, among rings of different widths, and among six Douglas fir trees of different vitality classes. There is a consistent, positive correlation between density, cell wall percentage and latewood percentage. Correlations of ring width with latewood percentage and density vary from tree to tree. For practical purposes latewood percentage can be used to explain c. 60% of the density variation. This parameter is recommended for rapid assessment of the impact of crown vitality on wood quality.