California Redwood: A Legacy of Natural Resilience

Once upon a time, California Redwood stood as the gold standard for naturally resistant, chemical-free wood. The grandeur of these trees, which once blanketed the western coast, made them the top choice for construction materials due to their remarkable resistance to termites, rot, decay, and mold. Long before the era of chemical additives and pressurized systems, redwood reigned supreme, gracing the construction of many iconic civic buildings that continue to stand as a testament to its enduring strength.

The Shifting Tides of the 70s and 80s

However, the 1970s and 1980s marked a turning point for redwood. It began to lose its prominence in structural buildings due to the emergence of alternative woods. Yet, it still held its ground as the ideal choice for crafting decks. Its inherent properties remained intact, allowing the creation of beautiful decks without concerns about chemicals, rot, insect infestations, or decay. Along the coast, from Washington to California, these magnificent redwood decks adorned luxury homes and became exterior centerpieces. While many of these decks still grace our landscape, proper maintenance can only extend their lifespan for so long; replacements will be required.

Old Growth Redwood: A Conservation Priority

The redwood forests of yesteryears, with their old growth giants, now stand protected for conservation. Today’s redwood, predominantly sourced from new growth farms, lacks the robust properties of its predecessors. These new growth farms prioritize expedited tree growth and harvesting to meet demand, leading to trees that do not mature sufficiently to develop the coveted decay-resistant properties. Old growth redwood boasted a high growth ring count per inch, resulting in a denser, stronger, and more stable wood. In contrast, new growth redwood, with its limited growth rings per inch, loses these qualities and becomes vulnerable to insect attacks and decay.

A Silver Lining: Conservation and Sustainable Alternatives

Surprisingly, there is a silver lining in this transformation. The voracious demand for redwood in the past, coupled with a lack of regulation and forest management, led to the rapid depletion of these majestic trees. Stringent laws and regulations have since been enacted, preserving old growth redwood and allowing other sustainably harvested wood species to enter the market.

Embracing the Future While Honoring the Past

While the allure of redwood remains strong, it’s crucial to acknowledge that today’s redwood isn’t the same as the legendary wood of decades past. Instead of mourning this change, we can embrace it as an opportunity to look to the future. The conservation efforts and sustainable practices have ensured that future generations can enjoy redwood in our national parks. Sustainable new growth redwood farms continue to supply wood for various woodworking projects, preserving the nostalgia factor. It’s a reminder that holding onto the past shouldn’t overshadow our vision for the future.