Not how i expected a tree to mature.

[Stew]

So I've been chopping and sanding some discs of Birch & Laburnum for a bit of art work.

The Laburnum had a bit of a crotch in it anf I was quite intrigued to see how the sapwood has changed to heartwood in this area.



I'm sure it's normal but i've not noticed it before - the advantage here being the extremes in colour. I would have expected distinct discs of heartwood, not the almost random 'splodge'.

 

[ozzy1977]

Looks normal to me, stunning wood when used as veneers on furniture though

 

[Stew]

Looks normal to me, stunning wood when used as veneers on furniture though

I have no doubt it is normal.

Would you not expect each ring to change to heartwood at the same time? Do you know what causes the change over? I always assumed age but obviously not.

 

[Mesquite]

That looks really good, and somewhat approriate given that it's Herman Rorschach's (of inkblot fame) 129th birthday

I'm looking at it and seeing ET

 

[dwardo]

I have had this with Yew. Usually at the base of the tree where two sister trunks merge.
Very pretty but spells disaster for a potential bow.

 

[Stew]

That looks really good, and somewhat approriate given that it's Herman Rorschach's (of inkblot fame) 129th birthday

I'm looking at it and seeing ET

ha ha! must be fate to post it today!

 

[ledders666]

So I've been chopping and sanding some discs of Birch & Laburnum for a bit of art work.

The Laburnum had a bit of a crotch in it anf I was quite intrigued to see how the sapwood has changed to heartwood in this area.



I'm sure it's normal but i've not noticed it before - the advantage here being the extremes in colour. I would have expected distinct discs of heartwood, not the almost random 'splodge'.

Was that piece of wood dead but still standing when you found it? I think that change in colour which is not inline with the annual rings is probally where its started drying. Perhaps the left side of the picture where the change of colour is nearer the center was facing the wind so is drying quicker?

 

[Stew]

Was that piece of wood dead but still standing when you found it? I think that change in colour which is not inline with the annual rings is probally where its started drying. Perhaps the left side of the picture where the change of colour is nearer the center was facing the wind so is drying quicker?

I couldn't tell you if it was dead standing or not - been kicking around in my garage for a while so can't remember.

I would be surprised if it's to do with drying out after been felled. The colour is going to stay as it is now.