Moon wood: cultural beliefs and scientific scepticism: the effect of lunar cycles on plant growth and wood properties (A review)

This paper provides a comprehensive review of lunar horticulture and the moon wood concept, tracing its origins from ancient agricultural traditions to modern commercial applications. For millennia, civilisations have operated under the premise that lunar phases govern plant physiology. The central hypothesis suggests that lunar cycles influence tree hydraulics: the waxing moon is associated with elevated moisture content, while the waning moon is believed to induce sap recession. Harvesting during the latter is traditionally claimed to yield timber with superior durability, pest resistance, dimensional stability and fire retardancy. Historically, this cross-cultural tradition dates back to the Sumerians (c. 3100 BC) and was later codified by Egyptian and Roman scholars. By the Renaissance, lunar forestry was integrated into various European land management frameworks. The moon wood concept is also found in other parts of the world such as New Zealand, where the Maori Maramataka system has utilised lunar-stellar cycles for centuries. In the modern era, the concept has faced rigorous empirical scrutiny. Scientific investigations beginning in the 18th century, and reinforced by recent high-resolution dendrometer studies, generally find no predictable correlation between felling dates and wood quality. Scientists argue that genetics, site conditions, and seasoning protocols are the primary determinants of timber properties, noting that stem fluctuations align with meteorological variables rather than lunar oscillations. Despite prevailing scepticism, the debate persists through niche studies identifying minor correlations in water-binding and shrinkage. While these findings are commercially used to support a high-end market for chemical-free construction timber and artisan instruments, absolute marketing claims regarding atypical properties such as “rot-proof” or “fire-resistant” carry significant legal risks under European fraud and unfair competition laws.