THE EFFECT OF WIND ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE WOOD OF BEECH (FAGUS SYLVATICA L.) GROWING IN THE BORDERS OF SCOTLAND

Summary To test the hypothesis that wind exposure affects the wood properties of trees, a preliminary study was made of the longitudinal and radial wood strength of fourteen wind-exposed beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) growing in the Borders of Scotland. Measurements were made on both the leeward and windward sides of the trees and the leeward sides were found, on average, to be stiffer and stronger than the windward sides. The effect was more pronounced in leaning trees than in straight trees. The measurements were compared with similar measurements of beech growing in a sheltered part of Germany and showed that the timber from the Scottish beech trees was stronger.