Improving visual detection of growth rings of diffuse-porous hardwoods using fluorescence

This paper presents a method for preparing wood sections and reading tree rings in diffuse-porous hardwoods that is more efficient than the standard sanding method. The planing of fresh samples and the use of an ultraviolet light source in conjunction with a fluorescent dye reduced the preparation time by 39%. No significant differences were found between the two methods for the time needed for ring count. The fluorescent method can be used for both wood sections and cores, and it can be applied to coniferous species.