Distribution of properties in use for oak, beech and fir-wood in a radial direction

The purpose of this article is to present distributions, that is variations of wood properties from pith to bark with the aim of predicting and determining the zones (areas) of highest quality in wood of the three most commercial species in Croatia: oak (Quercus robur L.), beech (Fagus silvatica L.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.). Variations of wood density, radial and tangential shrinkage, bending strength and compression strength parallel to the grain were observed and analysed. The results showed zones of highest quality with the respect to the tested properties in beech-wood, oak-wood and fir-wood. In connection with this the optimal moment of felling is discussed with respect to the predicted (assumed) quality of tested wood species grown in the forests of Croatia.