COST Action E 52 - vTI - Bund.de

The rotation time for growing high quality timber depends on the prevailing site conditions, but
often is between 100 and 140 years. On the other hand, fuelwood, which is optimized for quantity,
may be produced within a shorter time. Overall, one third of the Swiss beech forests exhibit a stand
age of 80 – 120 years (Brändli 1998). Around 2% of the stands are estimated to be older than 160
years, i. e. the amount of ecologically important old growth forest is comparably low.
Within the European forestry community, it is well known that high quality timber of beech can
be found in many places in Switzerland. It is not rare to identify tree heights of 40 m with straight
stems up to 20 m (Fig. 3) (cf. Hansen, Jorgensen, Stoltze 2003). However, although the physical
Fig. 3: Beech stand in the forest reserve “Sihlwald” (Picture: P. Weber)
appearance is excellent, red heartwood is abundant. A few studies have been conducted on the
occurrence and economic implications of red heartwood in beech in Switzerland (cf. Pöhler,
Klingner, Künniger 2004). Red heartwood is developed facultatively and is difficult to diagnose
in standing trees. In 2002, a survey of the cantonal forestry departments resulted in approximately
50% of beech timber being affected by red heartwood, leading to a decrease of sometimes up to 50%
in value. However, Pöhler, Klingner, Künniger (2004) demonstrated that the mechanical and
technological properties of beech wood are not reduced due to red heartwood.
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