February 09, 2015
Did you know that we have far more hardwood trees today than we did 50+ years ago? If not, you’re not alone! We've been trained to think that we’re running out of trees. The truth is actually the opposite.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, there were 119 percent more hardwood trees in 2007 than in 1953, with the growth-to-removal ratio of 2.00 (two new trees for every one removed). So while it may take four to five decades for these new trees to mature, their wood will not be needed for another 50 to 100 years.
By definition, “sustainable means to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony,” meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Knowing then that there is twice as much new hardwood growth as there is removal through harvesting in American Hardwood forests, it is clear that we are not running out of trees. The U.S. supply of hardwoods for flooring, furniture, cabinetry and millwork is sustainable now and for future generations!
For this article and more information, visit: http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/articles/view/admirer/6/220