Softwood and hardwood are two classifications of wood that come from different trees. Their qualities mean each wood type has slightly different uses. This blog will explore softwood and its sustainable properties.
What are Softwoods?
Softwood comes from coniferous evergreen trees such as pines, cedars and spruces. These trees have needle-like leaves and grow faster than hardwoods, taking around 40 years before they’re ready for harvesting. This faster growth rate creates a more porous, less dense structure.
What are Hardwoods?
Hardwoods are known as angiosperms which refers to their flowering patterns. They grow much slower than softwoods, taking up to 150 years to grow before they’re ready to be harvested. This means that the wood produced is much denser than softwood.
Sustainability
Faster Growth
Due to the faster growth rate of softwood, it’s considered to be the eco-friendlier option. This is because it can be replenished faster than hardwood and is often harvested from plantations that have planned out re-planting cycles to ensure a supply is maintained.
Renewable and Biodegradable
Softwood is biodegradable at the end of its life cycle, which reduces stress on landfills and makes it a naturally renewable resource.
Less Dense
Being less dense means the drying and cutting process is reduced, so less energy is used throughout harvesting. This material is also lighter which means transport costs less.
Carbon Sequestration
Both softwood and hardwood absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the universe. This carbon is captured and stored inside the tree, even after harvesting. Because softwood trees keep their needle-like leaves year-round, this contributes to continuous carbon sequestration.
De Sutter Naturally Densiforce® Range
At Norton’s Fencing, we offer De Sutter Naturally Densiforce® which is an impregnated softwood range. It has a 100% quality production process, as well as a 100% sustainable initiative. This is a great environmentally friendly alternative to creosoted posts and has a life span of 20 years or more.
Explore our range of Densiforce® softwood fences or browse our other De Sutter Naturally fencing options.
Related Posts
What is the Difference Between a Turnout and a Paddock?
Just like there are different kinds of horses, there are also many different types of paddocks. If you’re wondering, ‘what is the difference between…
What Are the Rules for Keeping Stallions?
A stallion is an uncastrated male horse that are usually kept for breeding purposes. They can be slightly more difficult to care for compared…
What is an All Weather Turn Out Paddock?
As we head into autumn, the wet weather is on the horizon and will be a consideration for horse owners anywhere when it comes…
