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.