Custom timber frame gazebo with arched braces and rich wood grain in a landscaped Strasburg backyard

At Western Timber Frame®, we believe in more than just building outdoor structures. We believe in building legacies—of beauty, craftsmanship, and care for the earth. That’s why, for every average-sized timber pergola, we plant 50 trees.

Yes, 50.

That’s not a typo. That’s our promise. And for larger structures, even more trees are planted!

Why Trees? Why 50?

Because trees are not just part of our craft—they’re part of our calling. As timberwrights and designers, we work with one of nature’s most remarkable materials every day. Planting trees is our way of giving back—restoring, renewing, and protecting the very resource that makes what we do possible.

It’s more than sustainability. It’s stewardship.

What Trees Do (That Most People Don’t Realize)

We all know trees give us oxygen. But these quiet giants are doing so much more behind the scenes:

Filter air & remove pollutants — like nature’s own HEPA system.
Naturally cool the environment — by shading and transpiring moisture.
Replenish soil nutrients — nourishing future plant life.
Prevent erosion & flooding — through their powerful root systems.
Enhance water quality — yes, they even clean our water!
Silence noise — acting as natural sound barriers.
Combat climate stress — through carbon capture and shade cooling.
Make us happier — with measurable boosts to mood and focus.

Planting trees isn’t just a feel-good action. It’s a practical, powerful way to strengthen communities and restore ecosystems—locally and globally.

Why Timber Is the Heart of What We Do

Beach Sand timber frame pergola with arched beams, built beside a modern stucco home and outdoor fireplace on a stone patio.

We work with real wood because it’s real. It breathes. It lasts. And when sustainably sourced, timber has a lighter carbon footprint than steel or concrete.

Wood stores carbon. It insulates naturally. It’s warm to the touch and kind to the senses. You can feel the difference in a timber frame structure—not just see it. And that’s part of what makes it such a soul-soothing material to build with.

Every time we craft a new timber pergola, arbor, cabana, trellis, or pavilion, we’re carrying on a tradition that values beauty, sustainability, and strength—all in harmony with the environment.

Timber Shade vs. Tree Shade: Why Both Matter

Custom timber pergola with arched knee braces over a circular patio, creating a cozy outdoor living space with black wicker seating

You might be surprised to know that shade does more than keep you cool. It plays a role in preventing dehydration—especially in dry climates or artificially heated indoor spaces.

Airplanes, for instance, can be three times drier than the Sahara Desert. When indoor air lacks moisture, our bodies lose fluids more quickly. This is one reason why outdoor shade is such a healthful choice. It lets you enjoy the fresh air, regulate your body’s temperature, and stay hydrated—all while relaxing in natural beauty.

A timber pergola or pavilion can provide that cooling canopy—even in places where planting a tree isn’t practical. And unlike a tree, you’ll never have to prune it or wait for it to grow.

Trees Are the Original Storytellers

Navigate with Trees — Trees can serve as natural compasses. In the Northern Hemisphere, moss typically grows on the north side of tree trunks, where it's shadier and cooler. If you come across a tree stump, examine the growth rings—rings tend to be slightly wider on the southern side, where the tree received more sunlight. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is true: moss favors the south side, and the growth rings are thicker on the north side. — Navigate with Trees — Trees can serve as natural compasses. In the Northern Hemisphere, moss typically grows on the north side of tree trunks, where it’s shadier and cooler. If you come across a tree stump, examine the growth rings—rings tend to be slightly wider on the southern side, where the tree received more sunlight. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is true: moss favors the south side, and the growth rings are thicker on the north side.

Look closely at a tree trunk and you’ll see more than wood. Each growth ring is a record of seasons gone by—dry years, rainy years, even major environmental events.

Archaeologists use tree rings to date cliff dwellings, ancient tools, and even the age of old buildings. Timber is a living document—one that records history while supporting the future.

And yes—trees are intelligent.

They communicate underground. They share nutrients. Birch trees have been shown to nourish Douglas firs during hot months—and receive sugars in return when they’ve lost their leaves. Trees look out for one another. They adapt, protect, and cooperate.

Nature knows how to build things that last. We’ve taken that lesson to heart.

Trees Make Us Feel Better. Science Says So.

Large 24-foot timber frame gazebo in Early American stain with custom roof detailing and spacious outdoor seating

Spending time around trees—or even just wood—has been shown to:

Reduce anxiety
Decrease stress hormones
Improve cognitive clarity
Shorten recovery times after surgery
Boost feelings of happiness and well-being

That’s why biophilic design—creating environments that connect people to nature—is more than a trend. It’s a timeless truth. Wood structures, tree-lined spaces, and natural materials make us feel at home in the world.

Timber pergola with Early American stain above a backyard bar and outdoor kitchen area, with counter seating and brickwork.

Your Pergola = 50 New Trees

Every Western Timber Frame® shade structure planted in your yard helps plant fifty new trees somewhere else. These aren’t just numbers—they’re future homes for wildlife. Future forest canopies. Future stories in the making.

We believe your timber pergola should be more than beautiful—it should be meaningful.

We plant 50 trees for every pergola we build—not for a trend, but because trees are timeless. They bless the land, restore soil, and invite connection. Learn more about the quiet benefits of trees.

Ready to Craft Something That Gives Back?

Whether you’re building a quiet reading nook or a grand gathering place, we’re here to design something extraordinary—and plant a legacy of trees in your name while we’re at it.

Let’s create something rooted in craftsmanship, designed for life, and inspired by nature.