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5.4 Alternative Species to Radiata Pine
Authors: A E Hay, I D Nicholas, C J A ShelbournePublication: NZIF Forestry Handbook, Volume Section 5 – Plantation silviculture, pp 4, Dec 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: During the last twenty years there has been a consistent demand for a variety of high-quality, decorative timbers that are strong, hard, stable, relatively free of drying defect, readily workable and for some uses naturally durable. Although the use of radiata pine for furniture and decorative purposes has increased, there is a strong demand for wood with special qualities, partially met by imports. In 2000 hardwood and softwood sawn imports were valued at NZ$21 and NZ$24 million respectively. These supplies are likely to diminish through conservation pressure against logging of natural forests in overseas countries. Historically, New Zealand's native tree species provided most of the domestic supply of high quality decorative timber, but the harvestable resource is now very small. While there has been a plethora of exotic species planted in New Zealand in the past, many have performed poorly in comparison with radiata pine. Currently, however, there is strong interest being shown in growing species other than radiata pine. Significant areas of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Californian redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), various eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.), cypresses (Cupressus macrocarpa and C. lusitanica) and Australian blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) are being established, often by small private growers. In time, wood products from these stands will be available for a wide range of products, including furniture, cabinet work, turnery, sliced veneer production, interior joinery, exterior joinery, and cladding, as well as composite products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL).