In timber, sap refers to the moisture present in the wood and all the material that moisture holds in solution.
Understanding Sap in Wood
Based on the provided definition, sap in wood is essentially the liquid component found within the timber structure. This liquid isn't pure water; it contains various substances dissolved within it.
Components of Sap
The sap in timber is composed of two main elements:
- Moisture: This is the primary liquid component.
- Dissolved Materials: These are various substances held in solution by the moisture.
Variability of Dissolved Materials
While the moisture is consistent, the amount and kind of materials dissolved in the sap's water can vary. This variation depends on several factors:
- Species: Different types of trees have different compositions of sap.
- Part of Tree: Sap composition can differ depending on whether it's from the roots, trunk, branches, etc.
- Time of Year: The season can influence the type and quantity of dissolved substances in the sap.
It's important to note that despite these variations, the dissolved materials themselves constitute only a small portion of the sap's total composition.
