Everything But The
Shade
Technology Helps People Use All Of The
Tree
Before the technology we have today, only about half of most
trees was used to create products. Now almost all of the tree
can be used.
Computer technology helps us make the best use of each log.
Lasers scan a log to determine where it will be cut to get the
most lumber or veneer.
Using very sharp saw blades or knives to cut the wood creates
less sawdust.
Technology has been developed to remove ink from paper better.
This allows us to recycle more recovered paper.
Special adhesives have been developed to glue sawdust, wood
shavings, flakes and strands together to make wood panels.
Waste Not Want Not
Once a tree is harvested, almost all of it is used. Waste
generated from making one kind of product is often recovered
and used to make another product.
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We
Use Different Trees For Different Things
Each kind of tree has characteristics that make it different
from other trees. This makes it useful for many types
of products.
•
Some trees, like Douglas fir, white ash and
loblolly pine, are very strong and are used for building
products.
• Cedar has a slow rate of decay and resists insects. This
makes it useful for outdoor decks and fences.
• Black walnut is hard, stiff and looks beautiful when finished.
That’s why it’s used for cabinets, furniture
and veneer.
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Planting
New Trees
Trees are a renewable resource. People help make
sure there will be enough trees for the future by growing
seedlings in nurseries and planting them. Many species,
however, are not planted because they grow back best
from seeds or by sprouting from stumps. |
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