Frost-Crack Frequency in Beech Stands

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is the study of frost-crack frequency in beech trees and of factors that cause it in Târlungul Superior Watershed and Argesul Superior Watershed. The results obtained show a frost-crack frequency of 18% in Târlungul Watershed and one of 14% in Argesul SuperiorWatershed. Frequency increases with age following a second-degree polynomial curve. Likewise, frequency increases with diameter. Trees with diameters above 50 cm may present more than one frost crack. The most frequent frost cracks are those with a length between 2 and 4 m, these representing over 50% of frost cracks in both areas.