The Future is Abundant
A Guide to Sustainable Agriculture

Back to the Table of Contents

Hardwoods

While conventional forestry concentrates on reforestation and production with evergreen conifers, many Northwest forest lands are covered with deciduous hardwoods. These hardy, soil-building trees have been considered worthless, but now their utility and value are being recognized by mill and land owners.

Markets for furniture-grade hardwood lumber from red alder, Western maple, Oregon ash, and Oregon white oak, have opened new possibilities for these naturally occurring species. The Maritime region of the Pacific Northwest is also well-suited to non-native hardwoods. The growth of such valuable hardwood species as walnut, chestnut, and oak may equal or exceed those grown in their native habitats when grown on a suitable site. The flourishing shade and fruit tree nursery industry indicates that growing hardwoods in the Northwest may also be an idea worthy of the woodlot owner's consideration.

The Future is Abundant A Guide to Sustainable Agriculture

Hardwoods

The Future is Abundant
A Guide to Sustainable Agriculture