Overview of the Main Wood Characteristics

Abstract

Wood characteristics are categorized into three characteristic groups along with an overview of the crack forms and causes:

• The first grouping covers wood characteristics that form as a tree grows naturally.

• The second includes biotically induced wood characteristics.

• The third focuses on abiotically induced wood characteristics.

And an overview of crack forms draws a connection to the underlying cause of the cracks.

Important wood characteristics, particularly those visible on standing timber or felled logs, will be highlighted in the following overview with two stars (**). Wood characteristics not specifically covered in the overview, but still mentioned in the descriptions, have one star.