Can You Love the Planet & Love Lumber, Too?

Actually, if you love the planet, one thing you can do to show it and benefit the global ecosystem is — wait for it — to buy lumber. Yes, I’m serious. The clear-cutting loggers are a thing of the past, as well as a caricatured version of reality. Actually, it’s more like a fun house mirror than a caricature: Think completely the opposite. The lumber industry is actually what allows many forests to thrive, allowing more new trees to be planted than those harvested. Not only is this scenario true tor exotic species, but it’s also true for domestics.

U.S. Forestry Practices

Throughout the late seventeenth century and into the early eighteenth century, logging practices were atrocious; we won’t deny that fact. Not only did clear cutting occur, but the surrounding land was damaged. This kind of abuse to our natural resources neglected to foresee the problems it would cause for future generations. After World War 1, awareness of the depleting forests led to forestry management plans that included replanting schemes intended to make up for the damage done in previous years. Since then, generations of trees have grown up in designated forestry zones, allowing the U.S. lumber supply to flourish even with the increased lumber demands of a growing population.

U.S. Forestry Progress

While old growth forests cannot be replaced in mere decades, much of the damage from early logging has been reversed. Forestry science has allowed us to make strides toward regrowing old growth forests while continuing to keep up with construction demands. The essential retention of a number of old growth trees in each area helps maintain a healthy balance. We still lack the kind of long, wide lumber that was available 100 years ago, but at the same time, most projects today simply don’t require those sizes. Someday, old growth lumber will again become available, without compromising the future of our forests.

Many people don’t realize that selectively cutting mature trees is also necessary for the future health of our forests. Without some thinning out, younger trees are starved of the sunlight they need in order to grow properly.

Canadian Forestry Comparison

While clear cutting hasn’t been as much of a problem in Canadian forests, current replanting and harvesting requirements are extremely aggressive. Without as much human population density, the large land areas throughout Canada have contributed to an extremely healthy population of new trees, along with plenty of old growth. These Canadian forests are arguably the healthiest on the planet. But it’s only possible if someone is willing to pay for such superior management, and that “someone” is the lumber industry.

As you begin to see how the lumber industry fuels today’s excellent forestry management practices, benefiting forests and the entire global ecosystem, we hope you’ll have a renewed love for lumber and communicate your passion to those who may not understand how buying lumber actually helps.

Learn More About the Lumber Industry

• The Basics of Lumber Drying
• Natural Beauty You Can’t Manufacture: Wood Color Change
• Buyer’s Guide to Premium Plywood

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Contact a sales representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling toll free (800) 638-9100.