Preserved Wood in the Story of Sustainable Forestry

IRG/WP 18-50344

D Brookes

Sustainable forestry, at its simplest, is about growing trees. The full story, though, is much more complex. An important chapter of that story is the role that preserved wood plays in ensuring sustainability. Too often, this part of the sustainability story is rarely mentioned. It is time for the preserved wood industry to deliver a unified message of our critical role in sustainability. By responsibly adding preservatives into wood, we can expand the life of wood significantly and further extend the cycle of renewability for our forests. This is a message that will connect with people and place the focus to our ability to preserve and protect forests. This is a more positive message than the often-negative perceptions about the chemicals used in treating. A forestry association executive recently remarked that there were enough forests and preserved wood was not necessary to ensure sustainability. Another person noted she was being “green” by using natural wood in her garden boxes and replacing them every few years after the wood deteriorated. These are common misperceptions that underscore the need to tell preserved wood’s story when it comes to sustainability. It is not enough to grow more wood and replace it. For true environmental responsibility, we must protect the wood from deterioration to extend the time needed for renewing our forest resource. We as in industry have the ability to increase the life of wood products beyond the time it takes to grow a new tree that can be used to replace that product. Wood preservation’s role in sustainability is particularly important for infrastructure and buildings. Preserved wood products are essential in our electricity, communication, transportation and housing infrastructure. From utility poles and rail ties or marine pilings and bridge timbers to permanent wood foundations and decks. Our industry has a proven record in increasing the service life of these products beyond a half century or more. When comparing materials steel, concrete and plastics with wood, it is the only renewable resource, which is often overlooked by focusing on recycled content. Considering that most wood products are recycled or reclaimed for energy after service life, the story for wood gets even better. Therefore, this is not only environmentally sustainable, it is also an all-inclusive environmental, economic and social choice over all the alternatives. Preserved wood should be considered as a value-added product, not only in commerce, but in sustainability and the environment. As an industry, we have a great opportunity – and an even greater responsibility – to ensure that preserved wood in an important part of wood’s story of sustainability.


Keywords: field trial, subterranean termites, soil termiticides

Conference: 18-04-29/05-03 Johannesburg, South Africa


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