In the context of timber, sap refers to the moisture found within the wood, along with all the material it holds in solution.
According to the provided definition:
By "sap" is meant the moisture in wood and all material it holds in ,solution . The amount and kind of materials dissolved in the water of the sap vary wit h. the species, part of tree, and time of year, but constitute only a small amount. cif the sap .
Understanding Sap in Wood
Sap essentially comprises the water content naturally present in a tree's wood, which remains there after the tree is felled. This water is not pure; it contains various dissolved substances.
Composition and Variation
The composition of the dissolved materials in the sap is not uniform across all timber. Several factors influence the amount and kind of substances dissolved in the sap water:
- Species: Different tree species will have different types and quantities of dissolved materials in their sap.
- Part of Tree: The sap composition can vary depending on which part of the tree the timber comes from (e.g., near the roots, the trunk, or branches).
- Time of Year: The season or time of year when the tree was felled can also affect the characteristics of the sap.
Despite these variations, the reference indicates that the dissolved materials constitute only a small amount of the overall sap. The primary component is the moisture itself.
Understanding sap is important in timber handling and processing, as its moisture content significantly impacts the wood's properties, such as weight, susceptibility to decay, and shrinkage during drying.
