Predicting sapstain and degrade in fallen trees following storm damage in a Pinus radiata forest

▶ Mean moisture content decreased in fallen stems after storms in a NZ plantation. ▶ Sapstain (mainly Diplodia pinea), decay fungi, bark beetle infestations increased. ▶ Changes were more rapid in severed trees than in those still partially rooted. ▶ Stain will occur after 4 or 12 months, respectively, in stems severed or uprooted in winter. ▶ But wood recovery depends also on % of trees with stain below an acceptable level.