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What is a growth ring Growth rings (or "tree rings" or "annular rings") can be seen in a horizontal cross section cut through the trunk of a tree. Visible rings result from the change in growth speed through the seasons of the year, thus one ring usually marks the passage of one year in the life of the tree. The rings are more visible in temprate zones, where the seasons differ more markedly. The inner portion of a growth ring is formed early in the growing season, when growth is comparatively rapid (hence the wood is less dense) and is known as "early wood" or "spring wood" or "late-spring wood". The outer portion is the "late wood" (and has sometimes been termed "summer wood", often being produced in the summer, though sometimes in the autumn) and is more dense. "Early wood" is used in preference to "spring wood", as the latter term may not correspond to that time of year in climates where early wood is formed in the early summer (e.g.Canada) or in autumn, as in some Mediterrranean species. In trees like white pines there is not much contrast in the different parts of the ring, and as a result the wood is very uniform in texture and can be said to have a mild grain (visually). Adequate moisture and a long growing season results in a wide ring. A drought year may result in a very narrow ring. Trees from the same region will tend to develop the same patterns of width for a given period. For the entire period of a tree's life, a year-by-year record or ring pattern is formed that in some way reflects the climatic conditions in which the tree grew.
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The importance of a log that is not milled You’ll notice here there is a striking difference between light and dark rings. They are made of the same cells, but in the dark rings the cells are closer together. The increased density makes the darker ring harder and more water resistant. In contrast to this the light rings are soft and act more like a sponge when in contact with water. It’s a little known fact that logs are not perfectly straight or round or maybe it’s a widely known fact either way it presents a problem when building with logs. This brings us to log kit homes, to deal with this problem they mill two if not three sides of the logs. Milling logs exposes the soft sponge like layers and surprise kit homes rot out real quick. This is bad so we must figure out a way to keep the moisture out. To pull off this impossible feat kit home builders resort to caulk, rubber, latex and any other petro goo they can find. The use of caulk and his buddies results in a house that can’t breath. A house that can’t breath means water gets in and can’t get out. Water ordinarily our friend in this case becomes the enemy causing mold and log rot. Them guys they can’t win. I know all this sounds bad but don’t give up there is hope. There is a way to build a log home with the logs completely intact. A home that breaths and doesn’t rot or grow mold. That’s what the school is all about. We teach our students how to acquire logs and how they can build a beautiful log home that will last and do it debt free. Think about it our forefathers have been doing just that for hundreds of years, and that without heavy equipment just simple hand tools. |
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