Some Other Timber Trees to Consider
The Pacific Northwest is home to millions of acres of timberland. Both Oregon and Washington require post-harvest replanting and Brooks Tree farm offers a wide range of options beyond the typical fir and cedar. Our natural forests were species diverse and it turns out – that’s a healthy and potentially profitable way to go. If you’re harvesting or will very soon, consider including some species that you might have skipped in the past.
Red Alder (Alnus rubra) Happiest in well drained, moist soil in the foothills of the Cascades and Coast Ranges. A very fast growing tree usually between 80’- 120’ tall, it yields very high value wood. It also has a faster rate of return most, ready for market at 25-35 years of age. It is immune to the root disease Phellinus weirii, making it a suitable alternate when Douglas-fir struggles. Alder fixes nitrogen in the soil making the other trees grow faster. While it will tolerate a wide range of sites, it does not grow well in very dry or very soggy conditions. Plant it after February 15, late cold can damage an early planting.
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus Ponderosa) A very well-known and important timber species east of the Cascades, Ponderosa Pine is also native to the Willamette Valley and the local seed source tolerates very wet soils. The Valley seed source has longer needles and a lush look. Few mills currently accept Ponderosa Pine in the western part of the state but that may change. Even if they continue to be a minor use product, it’s still a great tree when you want a fast growing, full sun conifer in a wet location.
Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Speaking of fast, Giant Sequoia breaks all the rules. Generally, trees that grow big don’t grow fast but Giant Sequoia is amazing. Not commercially important for timber but the best choice for a large scale border or screen in full sun and medium to moist soil.
Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Another very fast growing species, native to the foggy, moist, mild climate of coastal Northern California, Coast Redwood is generating interest in western Oregon. As a new seedling it can be fussy about cold so plant after February 15th and even later if the weather has been unseasonably cold and might continue. Once established it grows straight and tall (to 300’) preferring shady, moist conditions. Fallen trees often sprout new growth that can be severed and moved after a couple of years. Has commercial value for rot resistant wood used as siding, roofing and decking.
Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) Some commercial value as timber, it has additional value is in the yellow pollen buds it produces in early winter. Short branches laden with the yellow buds are used in the strong Christmas greens industry. A nice way to bump up the cash flow while waiting for the timber sale. The wood is aromatic (hence the name). It prefers sunny, dry sites where it will grow to 150’.
Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) Best value will come where the trees can grow straight. Left in full sun and wide spacing they will produce rounded, strongly branched trees that are great for firewood and treehouses. Easy to grow, they tolerate shade which encourages straight trunks. The trees can yield a high value wood for furniture and cabinets.
