Silviculture Part 2 - Intermediate Operations

We continue our Back Porch Forestry sessions with a series on Silviculture. This session addresses Part 2 "Intermediate Operations" . . . . how we manage the forest while it grows.
Survey to assist with program evaluation:
tiny.utk.edu/ba...
Publications:
Crop Tree Release in Precommercial
Hardwood Stands
extension.tenn...
Technical Guide to Crop Tree Release
in Hardwood Forests
extension.tenn...

[@wrfarms9741]

With DBA being the same, which tree would have the best value and strength? A tree with 4 rings per inch or the same diameter tree with 20 rings per inch? My reason for asking is that it is my understanding that "old growth timber" is very highly prized over more recent timber grown to achieve maximum growth. We just recently did a crop tree release demonstration preparation back in March with the TN Dept. of Forest but the Corona Virus cause the demonstration to be canceled. We can already see how the release trees are beginning to react to the extra exposure to sun and additional resources. Great presentation! 👍

[@backporchforestry4865]

I'm sending your question onto our Wood Products Specialist, Dr. Adam Taylor. Generally the answer is "it depends." I'll get back upon hearing from him.

[@backporchforestry4865]

Its not so much the number of growth rings, as much as the age of the tree that determines wood strength (and potential value). Younger trees have a greater % of "juvenile wood" (this is roughly the first 15 years of tree growth). Juvenile wood has less strength than "mature wood." So fast growing young trees have weaker wood than wood from more mature trees. Even if older trees still have wide growth rings, that wood would be relatively strong. (Ref. Dr. Adam Taylor, UT Wood Products)
The veneer industry, however, generally prefers fairly tight rings, not for strength, but due to improved appearance.