Everyone knows that trees are made up of various parts, like the roots, trunk, branches, and leaves, but did you know that there are distinctive sections within the tree trunk itself? Heartwood and sapwood play important roles in the tree lifecycle and contribute different properties to the wood itself. In this blog, we’ll explore what heartwood is, how it differs from sapwood, and what to consider if you’re trying to choose between the two.
What is Heartwood?
Heartwood is the innermost section of a tree, and it is no longer actively involved in the tree’s life process, although it does provide vital support for the tree. It’s known for its darker color and is prized for its durability and density. Sapwood is what makes up the outer layer of the tree and is responsible for carrying nutrients and water up from the roots to the rest of the tree. It is lighter and has a higher moisture content than heartwood. As a tree ages, sapwood slowly transforms into heartwood as additional outer layers of sapwood grow.
Characteristics of Heartwood
As we mentioned above, one of the main differences between heartwood and sapwood is the rich color that heartwood achieves. Pine sapwood ranges from white to creamy yellows, whereas heartwood is a rich amber or reddish-brown color. This is thanks to all the nutrients and resin that accumulate in heartwood as the tree ages. Another major difference is the durability; sapwood is more susceptible to damage than heartwood.
Choosing Between Heartwood and Sapwood
Heartwood is valued for its durability and color, making it ideal for areas where toughness is needed, but it is generally more expensive than sapwood. Sapwood is also generally easier to work with since it is a softer wood, and it tends to take stain better.
If you’d like to learn more about heartwood or see what we currently have in stock, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information!