Technology Roadmap: Lumber and Value-Added Wood Products
4.13 Protection of Green Lumber

Existing Technology

Stain or mould problems can continue on green wood waiting to be shipped or to go into the kiln. Issues related to the protection of green lumber for shipping are covered in Section 4.17. Wood to be dried should be stickered and placed in the dry kilns as soon as possible after manufacture. Where delays are experienced, the wood should be allowed to air-dry in a location where air circulation is good. A few sawmills use small moveable roofs to protect stacked lumber from rain. Delays in getting material into the kilns in the warmer months may result in fungal growth on the lumber. Much of the fungal growth which occurs when the lumber is stacked will be surface stain or mould which will usually be killed by the kiln and removed by the planer. Sapstain control products are used whenever necessary (see 4.17).