After the ice
When temperatures raised after the ice age, oak trees became prolific. They evolved to cope with local climates and soils – if you take a seedling from one part of Europe and plant it in another, you will see how it differs. Its genetic difference will no longer be an advantage.
Traditional forestry
Timberpride insists on a traditional approach to forestry, as this yields the best results, maintaining the genetic advantage of local timber.
At harvest, the best one or two trees per acre are left to throw seed. These mother trees repopulate the forest floor with a carpet of oak seedlings.
The trees grow very closely, fighting for sunlight and dominance. Trees which are strong and quick to grow will kill off their weaker siblings. Pruning and thinning is not required, so the trees that survive will have fewer knots (and a happier joiner thereafter).
This tradition is known as the optimum silvicultural model. It is not standard practice, but it is something we insist upon to achieve the best quality, sustainable oak.
Look out for our follow up article, explaining what happens after the tree is ready to fell.
