Wood properties were investigated for nine naturally regenerated trees of Betula platyphylla Sukaczev var. japonica (Miq.) H. Hara in Nikko, Japan to effectively utilise the wood resources. The following properties were determined: stress-wave velocity of stems in radial direction, cell length, basic density, shrinkage, dynamic Young's modulus, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, absorbed energy in impact bending, and compressive strength parallel to grain. All examined wood properties increased from pith to bark. The boundary between core and outer wood determined by a 1.0% annual increment of cell lengths was well matched with that determined by radial variations of wood properties. Significant differences were found between the core and outer wood in several wood properties. Based on the results, it is concluded that when the wood of B. platyphylla is utilised as an industrial raw material, the presence of core and outer wood should be considered.

Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Picea obovata Ledeb., and Larix sibirica Ledeb. are important forest tree species in Mongolia. The radial variations of wood anatomical characteristics, physical and mechanical properties were evaluated by linear or nonlinear mixed-effects models for effective wood utilization of those of conifers. Many of these wood properties either increased or decreased from the pith to the bark and then became nearly constant based on the selected models. The properties of mature wood were estimated by nonlinear mixed-effects models, suggesting that P. sylvestris and L. sibirica are suitable as structural lumber, P. sibirica can be used for furniture and other interior products, and P. obovata is suitable for structural lumber as well as for furniture or interior products.