Estimating volume gains in genetically improved stands at rotation age is challenging because first-generation progeny tests in Douglas-fir were typically established to measure the relative growth performance of individual trees from open-pollinated parent trees. The overall goal of this dissertation research was to improve growth simulation of genetically improved Douglas-fir...
Budburst, the initiation of annual growth in plants, is sensitive to climate variation and is therefore used to monitor physiological responses to climate change. Budburst timing can vary between regions of an individual tree, but this phenomenon it is unaccounted for in current monitoring efforts and may contribute to the...
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) has a wide distribution in North America and is one of the tree species most widely distributed outside its natural range. The species has been introduced to Europe, New Zealand, South America, and elsewhere around the world. At present, Douglas-fir is an accepted and integral part of...
Wood modulus of elasticity (MOE), also known as wood stiffness, is one of the most important wood properties. Wood stiffness is a measure of the resistance to deflection, and is important because some products such as laminated veneer lumber, plywood, and dimension lumber require stiff and strong wood. Incorporating wood...
Successful regeneration of forest stands often requires that crop trees be released from competing vegetation. This publication provides basic information on how to determine if release is necessary and methods for release.
To compete with other building materials, the wood products industry must
find a way to increase value and lower costs. Wood stiffness is important for most
wood uses. Value can be increased and costs can be lowered by sorting logs for
stiffness in the woods using acoustic devices mounted on...
This work combines both applied and basic research regarding previously undescribed relationships between two ecologically and economically important insect groups in coniferous forests, bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and wild bee (Hymenoptera: Apiformes) communities in Western North America. Across the continent, native bark beetle outbreaks are key drivers of structural...
Forest growth and yield models are critical to supporting decision making in forestry, but often lack considerations for wood properties. The feasibility of simulating wood properties in the context of a Douglas-fir individual tree growth and yield model was evaluated. This assessment explored the effect of predicted sapwood width, stem...
Both transportation costs and market values of woody biomass are strongly linked to the amount of moisture in the woody biomass. Therefore, managing moisture in the woody biomass well can lead to significant advantages in the woody biomass energy business. In this study, two prediction models were developed to estimate...
Total US lumber production in 2011 was 77.9 million cubic meters. Its primary use was for housing and construction. There is a growing concern that the structural properties for wood are being reduced as trees are harvested at much younger ages as the wood supply shifts from older to younger...