Using More of the Resource by Celebrating Natural Character Markings
When trees grow, they become taller and they add annual growth rings of wood just under the bark, increasing their girth. Over the years, branches grow, die off and fall to the forest floor. (1 and 2) Yet, they leave a legacy in the tree's wood: a knot where every branch once was. (3) Eventually, layers of wood grow over the knots and new branches will grow higher on the tree trunk-closer to the sunlight and the forest canopy.
The tree's newest wood, closest to the bark, is known as sapwood. It usually is lighter in color and without knots or other character markings. (4) The oldest wood toward the center of the tree - the heartwood - has ceased to contain living cells and generally is darker than sapwood. (5)
A mature hardwood tree has more character-marked than clear wood. Clear wood represents the most recent chapters of a tree's life. It also becomes the highest grade and most expensive lumber.
Eco-effective designs make fullest use of the forest resource and reflect the tree's entire history. They celebrate natural variety in coloration and character markings.
Sustainable materials use is economical as well as responsible. The concealed portions of a built-in, for example, need not be made of high grade, and costly, clear lumber.
