gnarls

Gnarls is the plural form of gnarl, a term used in forestry, botany, and woodworking to describe knot-like growths on trees and wood. Gnarls refer to protruding or swollen knots that arise from irregular growth around a branch, injuries, genetic tendencies, or environmental stress. They give the wood a rough, twisted surface and irregular grain.

In living trees, gnarls appear as lump-like or knobby protrusions on trunks or limbs. In lumber, a gnarl is a hard, dense knot that can disrupt straight grain and complicate cutting, planing, and finishing. The presence of gnarls is often associated with increased surface hardness and irregular grain patterns, which can affect workability but may also contribute visual character.

Gnarled forms are common in trees exposed to harsh conditions such as strong winds, poor soil, or extreme temperatures. Such growth patterns are valued for their aesthetic and rustic appeal in woodworking, sculpture, and decorative timber, where the twists and knots are highlighted as features rather than defects. Conversely, gnarled wood can pose challenges for structural uses or precision milling due to its uneven density.

Related terms include gnarl as the singular form and gnarly, an adjective and informal noun describing something twisted, rugged, or difficult. In practice, gnarls are a natural variation of wood growth that influences both the utility and appearance of timber.