Oak trees are important sources of hardwood lumber.
A variety of softwood and hardwood trees are used as lumber. The terms hardwood or softwood do not refer to the physical hardness or softness of the wood but to the species of trees. Hardwood is obtained from deciduous trees while softwood is obtained from evergreen trees which retain their scale or needle-like foliage throughout the year. Fast-growing trees are found in both the softwood and hardwood categories.
Northern Red Oak
Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree also referred to as eastern red oak, common red oak and gray oak. The close-grained, heavy tree is an important source of hardwood lumber as it machines and accepts finishes very well. Northern red oak grows to a mature height of up to 100 feet with a dark gray or black bark and a strong taproot. The tree grows best in areas of sun and adapts well to a range of well-drained soil types. Northern red oak trees are long lived, often achieving the age of 500 years. The tree is a member of the beech family and is commonly grown as a shade tree for campuses, parks and lawns.
Red Maple
Red maple (Acer rubrum Linnaeus) is a hardwood tree with a rapid growth rate. The tree is also referred to as swamp maple and soft maple and is considered one of the best lumber trees given its strong, close-grained wood. Red maple wood is used extensively for inexpensive furniture, mine props and fuel wood. The tree thrives in swamps and moist slopes and develops brilliant red autumn foliage. The tree not only reproduces easily from seeds but also sprouts readily from the stump after cutting. The simple, opposite foliage is 3 to 4 inches long and light green in color with lighter shaded undersides.
Ponderosa Pine
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson) is among the most important lumber trees and is used extensively in building construction. The fast-growing tree establishes rapidly in a range of soil types and is also grown as windbreaks. The trees live as long as 300 to 600 years and achieve a mature height of up to 164 feet with a diameter of 4 feet. The bright green foliage and pleasant scent also makes ponderosa pine a common ornamental tree. The tree grows best in gravelly sand to sandy clay loam. Established trees are tolerant of hot and dry conditions and have good tolerance to drought. Ponderosa pine has high tolerance to low temperatures.
