Can Old Growth Lumber be Harvested Sustainably?

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the sustainability of timber harvesting practices, particularly concerning old growth lumber. This article explores the viability of harvesting old growth lumber in a sustainable manner, examining the economic, ecological, and market perspectives on this topic.

The Myth of Old Growth Wood's Unavailability

Contrary to popular belief, most of the wood used in home construction is not considered "old growth." Although terms like redwoods and sequoias often come to mind when thinking about old growth wood, they are not commonly used in construction. Historically, redwoods were predominantly used for frame structures, but this practice has since become unnecessary. Instead, the real issue lies in the broader narrative of commercial exploitation and planned obsolescence, which has overshadowed the possibilities of using old growth wood in a sustainable manner.

Business Decisions vs. Ecological Reality

A notable example of business decision versus ecological reality is Home Depot. In 1999, the company faced environmental activism that led them to phase out old growth wood by 2002. At that time, the CEO, Arthur M. Blank, stated that their decision was not driven by extremist groups but rather by a desire to increase profit margins. This decision reflected the broader trend of prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, in 2016, over half of the 13.9 billion cubic feet of North American forests consumed in the United States were used for the paper industry and biofuel. Only a small fraction, specifically 29 billion cubic feet from Weyerhaeuser in 2019, was used for new residential construction. This means that out of all North American forestry, only 14% was consumed in building new homes. Thus, the concept of old growth wood being insufficient for construction is itself a myth, as there is still a considerable amount of available timber.

Species-Specific Growth Periods

The term "old growth" does not refer to a specific age but rather to the ecological conditions under which a forest was last subjected to significant natural disturbances. Different tree species have different timelines to reach maturity:

Walnuts: Black walnuts and English walnuts reach full strength after 30 years. Maples: Red mapaes take 10–30 years to mature before being considered old growth. Pine: Typical pine trees can be harvested at full strength after 20–30 years. Heart pine takes around 50–60 years.

By harvesting trees in cycles of 50 to 60 years, we would have a sufficient supply of solid wood to work with, ensuring sustainability and reducing the need for planned obsolescence.

Modern Practices and Their Impact

Conversely, modern timber practices involve chopping down young trees and processing them into boards, a process known as fiberboard. These boards are often of lower quality and do not stand the test of time, leading to increased waste on our planet. Examples include the use of Douglas Fir in five to ten-year cycles, resulting in cheap, inferior products that are increasingly used in furniture and construction.

Additionally, the industry has valued quick economic gains over skilled craftsmanship, leading to a decline in the trade of woodworking. This has resulted in a loss of traditional skills and a shift towards mass-produced, low-quality products. As a result, the cost of hand-built solid furniture has become prohibitively high, making it less accessible to the general consumer.

Renewable and Sustainable Options

Wood remains a renewable and biodegradable resource. In contrast, materials such as plastic, vinyl, and fiberboard are toxic and do not stand the test of time. Interestingly, there is more forestry in the United States today than there was 150 years ago, excluding west coast sequoias.

Overall, the sustainability of old growth lumber is indeed possible, provided that it is managed and harvested in a responsible and sustainable manner. With a shift towards longer harvesting cycles and better market practices, the use of old growth wood can not only be environmentally friendly but also economically profitable.