Gives the general resistance to decay of a number of native wood species grown in the United States, and some factors affecting decay resistance.
The common species of wood grown in the United States vary widely in their ability to resist decay, from the highly resistant osage-orange or black locust to willow and aspen. Such generalizations on decay resistance of untreated woods have value to potential users, but they must be regarded primarily as guidelines. Decay resistance should he important in the choice of species only when the wood is to be used under conditions that favor decay.
Resistance of common species to decay rests only in the heartwood (the darker colored central portion of the wood of the tree). When long life is desired of untreated wood under conditions favoring decay, all sapwood should be excluded–regardless of species.
