A review of black heart of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)

Black heart is a non-fungal stain of ash (Fraxinus excelsiorL.) which results in a price penalty compared with white wood.The formation of black heart varies within individual trees,between trees and on different sites; the evidence availablesuggests that it can be present in up to 45 per cent of treesat age 60. Once formed the proportion of cross-sectional areaaffected increases with age. Previous work has suggested thatblack heart has no effect on timber properties or strength butits occurrence has been linked with high soil moisture. Howeverthese studies were conducted in the 1950s and need to be confirmedusing more rigorous research methods. Scope exists for innovativemarketing of black heartwood to emphasize that it is a naturalfeature and can be visually pleasing; this may lead to betterreturns for the grower.