Final answer:
Green lumber typically has a moisture content of 30% to 200% or more, depending on the wood species and environment. Moisture content affects the behavior and properties of the lumber.
Step-by-step explanation:
Green lumber refers to freshly cut or unseasoned lumber that has not been dried or treated. The moisture content of green lumber typically ranges from 30% to 200% or more, depending on the species of wood and the environmental conditions it's exposed to.
For example, a freshly cut green oak plank may have a moisture content of around 150%. As the wood dries over time, the moisture content decreases until it reaches an equilibrium moisture content, which varies depending on the relative humidity of the surrounding environment.
Knowing the moisture content of green lumber is important for various reasons, including determining how it will behave when used in construction or woodworking projects and assessing its weight, strength, and dimensional stability. Moisture content also affects the shrinkage and warping of wood as it dries, so it's often necessary to dry lumber before using it in certain applications.