Just wondering who all are the types of trees that you have found that can get curly grain. Why does it get curly. I have found a sugar maple and boxelder with it and have no idea if its caused by infection soil chemistry injury or residual radiation from alien landing sites.
"or residual radiation from alien landing sites"... this is FHC so... that just might be the reason GS...
Urban & suburban trees that are near structures or have been repeatedly trimmed can twist and turn like a corkscrew. Another benefit they have is embedded iron, that hammock hook they used 20 years ago is now well hidden until the chainsaw finds it. KaptJaq
"Curly" grain, in the woodworking world, refers specifically to the "rippled" variety. It's probably the most common in maple, cherry, and walnut, but it can happen in many species. Nobody has really been able to conclusively prove why it happens, but it's not genetic, or due to soil conditions, or injury. It's probably difficult to test any particular theory, as it might take 20-30 years before the tree is large enough to have any curly grain. My personal theory, specifically on the curly variety, is that it's caused by the crushing weight of the trunk and branches; as it tends to be found more near branches and stumps. I have a multi-stem maple in the back yard, where each of the trunks is growing away from the stump at 30-45 degree angles. I'm having my tree climbing buddy help me put it on the ground probably in early spring, and I'm hoping to find some in there. I agree with fishingpol's observations for the corkscrew variety. I think that type of grain happens when young trees seek light through the canopy, making them bend and twist.
I'm really likin' the Alien landing site hypothesis. Let's go with that. Someone will come on with a gooder explanation though.
I've seen it in some pretty small trees too. No clue what causes it, but a man could stand to make a lot of $ if they could cause it to happen, at least until the market got flooded with it.
