also known as: growth ring
The visible band of growth in a board's cross-section. One ring equals one year of growth in the tree.
The annual rings on this quartersawn oak are tight — about 14 per inch — so it grew slowly and should stay stable.
The lighter, less dense portion of an annual ring, formed in spring when the tree grows quickly.
The darker, denser portion of an annual ring, formed later in the growing season.
The very center of the tree's trunk. Wood close to the pith cracks as it dries.