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A Ponderous Presence in the American West
Hurrican Helene Today I feature the mighty Ponderosa Pine. I was marveling at these trees on a recent trip out west and knew I had to feature the species. A mainstay of the construction lumber industry often labelled as PP/LP on lumber racks. But also a species with a different life in the form of clear boards in moulding, interior flooring, paneling, etc. The species is fire propagating and is a perfect example of how healthy forest management needs a little fire from time to time. The Beetle Kill Pine is the result of weak forests without natures cleaning mechanism. Ponderosa is a yellow pine but a pale version of yellow pine both in appearance but in workability with softer and less difference between early and late growth. It makes for a more uniform working experience with planing, sawing or cutting joinery.
Industry News
Featured Species: Ponderosa Pine
Pinus Ponderosa is a major component of the framing lumber and construction trade. But it has a life as a "fine" wood as well and is used in interior mouldings, flooring, and panels. This clear material is more expensive and harder to find but the distinct yellow pine grain has defined a Western design style. The tree is a mojor part of native legend and even finds reverence amongst the settlers of the West...not to mention part of just about every home built during Westward expansion.
It is a yellow pine but on the paler side that could even be confused with some of the eastern Hem/Fir lumber found out east. But side by side you will see the distinctly yellow cast of Ponderosa. It is asofter than most yellow pines and less resinous with a lower contrast between early and late growth. But this makes it an easier species to work when the density transitions are not as strong across the growth rings. Ponderosa Pine is not however, an exterior species like most of its other yellow pine brethren.
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