Analysis and evaluation of the impact of stand age on the occurrence and metamorphosis of red heartwood

The red heartwood of beech is responsible for decreasing the market value of the most important deciduous tree species of central Europe. The aims of this study were: (i) to verify the hypothesis that stand age affects the occurrence and metamorphosis of red heartwood in beech; and (ii) to quantify the economic loss due the sale price reduction of timber affected by red heartwood. Seven even-aged beech stands of different age (87, 100, 105, 110, 115, 132, and 145 years) were selected in Slovakia, and 213 trees were cut into 961 pieces of assortments which were evaluated for the presence, form and extension of red heartwood. The economic loss caused by red heartwood was determined as the difference in price between the actual and the potential quality grades of assortments. The results confirmed that stand age significantly influence the occurrence, development, and metamorphosis of red heartwood. The average loss in timber sale price caused by red heartwood varied between 0.76 and 28.04 (sic) m(-3), depending on age and form of red heartwood, with more severe losses in stands older than 110 years. To reduce the incidence of beech red heartwood in Central Europe, a reduction of the rotation period should be considered, as well as the adoption of suitable silvicultural practices in aged beech stands.