Effect of Fire Charring on Condition of Ponderosa Pine Trees in Oregon as Measured by Longitudinal Compression Strength

The ability to assess wood quality using longitudinal compression strength (LCS) of plugs removed from along the length of a tree stem was assessed in ponderosa pine damaged to varying degrees 4 years earlier in a prescribed burn. LCS has been used elsewhere to estimate residual strength of utility poles and might be a simple method for assessing wood quality in standing trees. The degree of stem char on fire-killed trees had a significant effect on LCS values. LCS values of plugs from charred portions of fire-killed ponderosa pines were greater than those from uncharred portions of fire-killed ponderosa pine trees. LCS might be a useful tool for forest managers assessing the remaining flexural properties of standing dead timber after fires.