Kask, R. and Pikk, J. 2009. Second Thinning Scots pine Wood Properties in Different Forest Site Types in Estonia.  Baltic Forestry 15 (1): 97-104

The properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood were studied in 27 stands growing on sites of 9 different types in Estonia. Data was collected from 184 trees aged 60-80 years. Pine wood is the strongest growing on heath and the weakest on raised bogs, its average density being 513-545 kg/m³ and 414-464 kg/m³, bending strength 97-100 MPa and 71-83 MPa and compression strength 55-56 MPa and 41-52 MPa respectively. The heartwood percent is greater in pines grown on more fertile sites. Site type is a highly generalising predictor of strength properties, so site index must also be taken into account. Contrariwise, site index may serve as a good predictor of relative strength indicators but only to a limited extent, within the range of adjoining types in the ordination scheme of forest site types.

Key words: Scots pine, site type, site index, heartwood, density, bending strength, compression strength, hardness