Timber Wise – Taking a Closer Look at Trees

Trees are universal and one of our most important resources. With more than eight billion acres of forestry over one forth of the earth is clothed with an abundance of wood.  Wood is more resilient and has a greater margin of safety being physically able to absorb the shock of impact from heavier loads than alternative materials. Just recently scientists have created a synthetic bone from heated rattan wood that the body will accept and is load bearing and so similar to real bone that tissue cells and blood treat it as if were actually bone eliminating the need for bone replacements and is far surpassed in excellent than any metal or ceramic material.

Wood also costs less and expends less energy to manufacture from raw material. Unlike mining for ore, trees are harvested crops and are not depleted. Only a small fraction of the forests are utilized and when managed properly they are an inexhaustible and abundant resource. Wood is also durable and ecologically sound being 100% biodegradable with renewable energy and is reusable as well. Trees provide us with oxygen, food shelter, clothing, warmth, energy and tens of thousands of other important products.

The most amazing thing about trees is that nearly every product on this world is made or produced through the resources of wood and wood-based material. It would take forever and a day to name all of nature’s wonderful gifts we receive through trees. The list goes on and on. . .

oxygen
surgical supplies
tires * rubber belts
asphalt *synthetic bones * ink
melamine *toilet paper * stain removers
calcium carbonate * wheelchairs * ceiling tiles
toilet seats * veneer * books * adhesives * mace
myrrh * cell phones * blocks * maple syrup * shade * dye
apples * almonds * bowling pins * cider * musical instruments
varnish * cabinets * protective helmets * paper * cloves * latex gloves
car keys * fabrics* protective shields * ice cream * furniture
footballs * rayon * insulation * waterproof compounds * cinnamon * lubricants
road materials * turpentine * shampoo * cardboard * food containers
art paper * shatterproof glass * rubber gloves * zippers * computer casings
shoes * cosmetics * salicylic acid * Compound W * diapers * antacids
nitrocellulose* electrical energy * olives * camphor * artificial flavorings
marine plywood * ball point pen * electrical outlets * baseballs * bath tubs * fuel
footballs * basketballs * fishing buoys * airplanes * scientific instruments
cellophane * vacuum cleaner bags * movies * medicines  * foam rubbers
molasses * syrup* carob * rosin * waxes * pitch * photographs & film * dry wall
fireworks * crayons * tannin * coffee * primers * life preservers * linoleum
anti-fungal oil * rocket propellant * particle board * pet litter * thermoplastic
plastic * furniture * combs * baby food * equine products * gum
recyclable solar cells * industrial fibers * rust remover * diamonds
candy bars * bandages * shampoo * nutmeg * ammonia
pallets * vitamins * houses * carpets * menthol
tin cans* guitar pics * paper * corks * signs
smokeless gunpowder *glucose * beds
aluminum foil
baking yeast
frankincense
disinfectants
cellulose acetate

Nothing is wasted in the industry of timber products even the residue of sawdust and bark are made into mulch to replenish and given back to the earth. Trees are a wonderful part of our civilization.

This is the 2nd in a series of  information, questions and answers on trees, timber and technology. Click Here if you would like to view our previous post concerning dry rot and timber’s amazing preserving properties or
In Awe of Mother Nature also in this series.