The influence of the lunar phase of tree felling on the properties of wood has been debated for centuries, but it is only recently that it has been the subject of rigorous study. These scientific studies have essentially focused on softwoods, leaving unanswered the question of whether hardwoods follow the same pattern. This article presents the results of the analysis of the lunar influence of the felling date on the humidity, specific weights, and shrinkage of wood. The random sample analyzed consists of 60 oaks (Quercus humilis Mill.) felled during the four lunar phases (15 trees per phase) throughout one lunar period. No significant differences were detected in any of the cases.
Contributor Notes
The authors are, respectively, Wood Technology Professor, Lleida Univ., ETSEA Lleida, Spain (avillasante@eagrof.udl.cat); Wood Technology Professor, Univ. Politécnica de Madrid, ETSI Montes Madrid, Spain (santiago.vignote@upm.es); and Forest Engineer, Agroforestry Dept., Lleida Univ., ETSEA Lleida, Spain (dferrer@hotmail.com). This paper was received for publication in May 2010. Article no. 10-00004.