Spring Wood vs. Autumn Wood

Key Differences



Comparison Chart
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Condition
Location
Wood Color
Xylem Fibers
Constitutes

Density
Xylary Elements

Spring Wood vs. Autumn Wood
Spring wood formed in favorable season, and it is also called as an earlywood whereas autumn wood is that wood which is formed in unfavorable season and also called as latewood. Spring wood constitutes the major part of the annual ring while autumn wood constitutes a narrow strip in the annual ring. Spring wood is present at the beginning of the annual ring while autumn wood is present at the end of the annual ring. Spring wood forms plenty of xylem vessels with wider-cavities; on the other hand, autumn wood also contains cavities of xylem vessel but are narrow. Xylem fibers are present fewer in number in spring wood; on the contrary, autumn wood has abundant of xylem fibers. Spring wood is lighter in color while autumn is darker in appearance. Spring wood has a lower density, whereas autumn wood has a higher density. Spring wood formed when cambium is active; on the flip side, autumn wood formed when cambium is less active.
What is Spring Wood?
The cambium becomes more active during spring season and forms adequately xylems vessels with wider cavities called as spring wood. Spring wood is also known as earlywood. It produces a large number of xylary elements. Spring wood is lighter in color. This wood has a lower density in a tree. Spring wood constitutes the major part of the annual ring as it also starts the annual ring. Spring wood is present at the beginning of the annual ring. Xylem fibers are present fewer in number in spring wood. Spring wood formed when cambium is active and cambium actives during favorable conditions like spring season. This season promotes the growth of cambium and spring wood. In oak and ash, this growth is rapid, and large cells with thin walls formed.
What is Autumn Wood?
The cambial activity slows down in winter season and gives growth to narrow xylem elements known as autumn wood. Autumn wood is also called latewood. It produces a fewer number of xylary elements. This wood has a higher density of the wood. Autumn wood is darker in color. Autumn wood comprises a thin strip in the annual ring as it finishes the annual ring. Autumn wood is present at the end of the annual ring. Xylem fibers are present abundant in number in an autumn wood. Autumn wood formed when cambium is less active, and cambium is fewer actives during unfavorable conditions like winter season. This season limited the growth of cambium and autumn wood. Blocks of autumn wood can be changed into wood roads and in wood slabs in a processor. Autumn wood can be used as fuel for forges even though its burning is slowly like all wooden fuel types.