HOWE Q. WALLACE BLOG

The Sustainable Business of Timber

I’m no scientist. I should probably know more than I do about timber.Β 

Recently, I read an article entitled, Β β€œWood Is the New Green in Pallet Enterprise.” There were some facts about carbon emissions I did not know.

Trees need CO2 to grow. They absorb it and store it. The absorption of CO2 slows global warming.

  1. Young trees absorb carbon rapidly.
  2. Mature trees absorb carbon slowly.
  3. Dying, decaying, or burning trees release carbon.

Thus, cutting mature trees and replanting new ones is best for carbon management.

When trees are harvested, 98% gets used.

As a result of environmental concerns, it’s been the process for decades to actively replant after harvesting. Forest growth exceeds harvesting rates by 40%.

MuchΒ has changed on the timber front since I entered the business more than 40 years back. To participate in an industry that has adopted sustainable harvesting techniques is gratifying.