Determination of Optimum Lumber Drying Schedule of Tree of Heaven Grown in Türkiye

ABSTRACT Background: The invasive tree species threaten the domestic species of a region. However, they can be evaluated for wood industry when they were cut to decrease the population. This study studied a fast-growing deciduous tree species, tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), to determine the optimum drying schedules of lumbers from Turkey-grown individuals. Results: Optimum schedule was determined from different suggestions in literature and applied in a 1m3 capacity laboratory type-drying kiln on 39 lumber pieces with dimensions of 65x65x2000 mm. The drying time and quality were evaluated according to standards and different methods (e.g. prong test) from literature. Although the fast-growing species had some risks with having more juvenile wood ratio and lower density, it could be dried 65 to 10% moisture content with in as short as 10 days with moderate-protective drying quality. Conclusion: Relatively shorter drying time with high quality compared to similar species (e.g. ash) might contribute the economic sustainability of sawmills. Because the shorter drying cycles will save more energy for per volume and they may be more profitable with shorter sellable dried lumber cycles. On the other hand, although the species was fast-growing, medium density (574 kg/m3) characteristics might show the potential for being a good alternative for the wood industry.