Physical Properties of Beech Wood after the Ice Storm

Physical properties (moisture content and density) of wood of variously damaged uprooted European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees were studied at the end of the first vegetation period after the ice storm damage in Slovenian forests in 2014. The research confirmed significant correlation between the amount of active root system and necrosis of leaves and changed moisture content and its distribution in the trunks. The moisture content of wood below 60 % (indicating extinguished protection against wood destroying organisms) was found in sapwood of extremely damaged trees. At the end of the first vegetation period after damage we could not confirm any reduction of wood density (and reduced mechanical properties) which would indicate deterioration of wood