TREES
MAPLE
DISTRIBUTION
Maple has an excellent reputation both as a tree and as the wood around the world. It contains vibrant autumn colors and is often planted as ornamental. Perhaps, there is no other timber with more figures than the maple in the wood form. The maple grows naturally in stony, rocky and calcareous bedrock areas, but the temperate climate is the key factor for its efficient growth. There are more than 150 maple species in the world, but most of them are native to the Asian continent. When we examine its distribution, we can say that it has many species in Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America.
EXPORT/IMPORT
Generally, the maple’s log and timber have been imported from Russia, Ukraine and Georgia, but they should be without bark. Soft maple timber is mainly exported from the Eastern United States. In addition, France, Canada and Russia are also among the exporting countries.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The maple is one of the hard and tight tree species. Its color is slightly yellowish-white or pink-white. Its wood has generally gotten more yellowish over time. The maple usually has wide sapwood. Its heartwood, by the way, is typically dark and distinct. Its texture is smooth and non-fibrous. The tree’s height can reach an average of 20-30 meters, and its trunk diameter can reach up to 1.5 meters. All species of maple trees are not the same weight, but generally, their wet weight is between 530-790 kg/m3, and their dried weight is between 480-750 kg/m3. Plus, it should be remembered that some discolorations inevitably occur on its surface when it has dried in the open air. If it is dried in a kiln, you should keep the temperature low. While the white color is preserved in fast-drying, a pinkish-brown color occurs in slow drying. You should avoid streaming because it can cause stains on the wood’s surface. Furthermore, the maple wood is not very durable and its sapwood is susceptible to insects. Although its heartwood is not resistant to degradation, it can be resistible with the protective treatment.
WALNUT
DISTRIBUTION
Firstly, a walnut tree grows naturally on the continents of Europe and North America, but its first homeland is known as the Asian continent. Therefore, China is the leading country that the most farm this tree. The United States, Iran, Turkey, Mexico and Ukraine are the other leading countries in walnut tree cultivation.
EXPORT/IMPORT
According to the FAO data, Canada ranks first in exporting the most walnut timber, with a share of 15% of the total export volume. Furthermore, with a 13% share, China is the leading country that primarily imports the walnut timber. China is followed by the USA, Iran, England, Turkey, and Italy.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The walnut tree has an average size compared to other tree species. It can grow to 30 meters and its trunk can reach 1.5 meters in diameter. The walnut’s wet weight is 900-950 kg/m3, and its dry weight is about 600 kg/m3. The color of walnut wood lightens slightly over the years. However, this change is not very obvious. Sometimes, it can be lubricated to protect its original color, texture and pattern. Although it is susceptible to insects, the walnut wood is highly resistant to decay. The color difference between its heartwood and sapwood is noticeable. Its sapwood is generally pale yellow, but the heartwood has the darkest tones.
PINE
DISTRIBUTION
The pine tree, which belongs to the Pinaceae family, is found in various regions of the world with its different species. There are more than 100 varieties of pine in the world. Europe, the Caucasus, Russia, Turkey and Iran are among the places where it spread. Pine, which develops better in mild and cold climatic conditions, can grow in almost all regions thanks to its adaptation skills.
EXPORT/IMPORT
Pine timbers for construction usages are generally obtained from larch, red pine and yellow pine logs. Plus, it is mostly imported from Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Romania. Since it can be grown everywhere and has a high demand in global markets, it takes place in every country’s inventory.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
Although there are more than 100 species of pine tree, they are similar in terms of their general characteristics. It can live between 100 and 150 years on average depending on environmental conditions. The pine tree and its wood are quite durable. Its heartwood is sensitive to fungi and insects, but its sapwood is highly resistant. While the heartwood is easily impregnated, the sapwood is generally more difficult to impregnate. Its heartwood is between 5 and 10 cm wide. The pine has straight veins and its wet weight is generally 890 kg/m³, but its dry weight is between 470 and 500 kg/m³. Its length ranges between 20 and 30 meters on average, and its trunk, which varies between 1 and 1.5 meters, is mostly full and smooth.
aSH
DISTRIBUTION
The ash tree is one of the most common trees found in the northern hemisphere. It grows and develops in cold atmospheres, fertile, deep and well-drained soils. The regions where it usually grows are northern Spain, Russia, Europe, Asia, North America and Greece.
EXPORT/IMPORT
The export of ash wood has been prohibited. However, it can be imported from America and France for ash logs and Ukraine is suitable for ash timber.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The ash wood has a hard, heavy and durable structure. Its dried weight is generally around 680 kg/m3. It is a light-colored tree, the core of the tree varies from white to yellow, and its bark varies from brown to light brown tones. The color difference between its sapwood and heartwood can be seen clearly. Sometimes, it can have scattered and wavy patterns with straight halos. Moreover, the light brown fragments and traces of some kind of minerals known as ‘glass worm’ can be seen on it. This mineral adds to the wood’s natural appearance and does not affect its structure of the wood.
FIR
DISTRIBUTION
Fir is a subspecies of the pine family and has 55 different species in the world. However, the fir can easily distinguish from these species thanks to its needle-like leaves. This tree can be easily found in North and Central America, Europe and the cool high-altitude regions of Asia.
EXPORT/IMPORT
The main producers of Fir wood are Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Romania and Germany. In addition, Iran, India, Egypt and Pakistan are among the primary buyers of this tree. Thanks to its wide distribution, the fir takes its place in the inventory of almost every country.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The length of the fir tree can reach 30 m in height and the trunk diameter can reach up to 100 cm. The average life of the fir can be extended to 200 years based on the environmental conditions. The wet weight of the tree may vary between 700 and 740 kg/m³, but its dry weight is generally between 420 and 460 kg/m³. Moreover, its sapwood has 5-10 cm wideness and it’s typically yellowish or reddish white. The heartwood, on the other hand, darkens gradually from reddish yellow to brownish red. Discoloration may occur when the wood is dried in the open air, but for the kiln drying, the temperature should be low.
LINDEN
DISTRIBUTION
When we look at the distribution of the linden tree, we see that it grows in temperate and tropical climate conditions. The linden tree, which especially grows in the Northern Hemisphere, grows in Central America, the eastern parts of North America, Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Asia’s eastern regions.
EXPORT/IMPORT
According to world trade data, the USA is the leading exporter of the linden timber. The other countries that mainly export this tree are Ukraine, Croatia, Japan, and South Korea. But when we look at the import data, it can be seen that China is in the first place. The China is followed by Germany, England, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The linden tree can live between 100 to 250 years and it can reach a height of 30 to 40 m. Its trunk diameter is generally between 1 to 1.5 m. The weight of this tree is around 350 to 450 kg/m3. There are many different subspecies of this tree and the common ones are summer linden, winter linden, silvery linden, and Caucasian linden. The linden tree is one of the mature woody trees and its sapwood has extensive and scattered pores. Indeed, its heartwood has almost the same features. Its pores are generally small and invisible to the naked eye. It has no color difference between its sapwood and the heartwood. Furthermore, the linden tree may have different colors depending on the region where it grows. It can be seen that some species of the linden are yellowish, and some species are light brown.
POPLAR
DISTRIBUTION
Poplar tree, from the willow family, has 30 different species and these species create the type of Populus. It generally grows in mild and cold climates. It is widely distributed in Southern and Central Europe, north-eastern United States, Canada, western Asia and North Africa.
EXPORT/IMPORT
According to some world trade data, Canada comes first among the countries that export the highest amount of poplar timber. Canada is followed by the USA, Russia, Ukraine and Japan. On the other hand, the leading countries that import this tree are China, Germany, England, Italy and Iran.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
Poplar tree, which can grow very quickly under suitable conditions, is found in many geographies and can live 100 to 150 years. It can reach 20 to 30 meters in length. Its trunk diameter, on the other hand, is between 60 to 120 cm. The poplar has a long vegetation season in terms of climate. That’s why it shows better growth in protected and warm places and it consumes a large amount of water. The average dried weight of the poplar is around 380 and 450 kg/m3. The pores, cores and veins of the poplar are not visible to the naked eye. It has no color difference between its sapwood and the heartwood. But sometimes its heartwood can be white, dirty white, yellowish-white, or sometimes brown.
BEECH
DISTRIBUTION
The beech tree has a unique place in history. It has been used for centuries in Europe as both furniture and fuel. When we look at the growing areas of the beech tree; we see that it grows much more efficiently in moist, sandy and humus soils. It mostly grows in Central Europe, Balkan Peninsula, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey and the Caucasus. Some species grow on the Asian and American continents. Moreover, the beech is one of the most important commercial hardwood species in Southeast Europe.
EXPORT/IMPORT
Beech wood has high demand globally. The countries that export this tree mostly are Germany, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and France. China, on the other hand, is the leading importer and it is followed by Egypt, Italy, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Germany.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The beech tree has more than ten species in the world and it usually takes the name of the country where it grows. It grows slowly and reaches 20-30 cm per year depending on the region’s conditions. The trunk length of an adult beech is between 25 and 35 meters, and the trunk diameter is between 40 and 120 centimeters. Their trunks are pretty plump and straight. Also, it has a durable, non-porous, and strong surface. Although it is very fine-grained, it is still so hard and strong. The weight of the tree varies between 680 and 720 kg/m3. Furthermore, there is almost no color difference between its sapwood and heartwood. Generally, its sapwood is reddish-white and the heartwood is reddish-brown.
CHESTNUT
DISTRIBUTION
The chestnut tree is widely common in every part of the world. It mainly grows in Asia, Europe, the Caucasus, the Alps and North Africa. When we categorize the chestnut tree; it is possible to see that it is divided into Chinese chestnuts, Japanese chestnuts, and European chestnuts. China is the leading country that farms this tree the most. China is followed by Italy and the Republic of Turkey.
EXPORT/IMPORT
When we look at the past few years, the annual export and import volume of chestnuts in the world is around 320 million US dollars. China again ranks first with 26% in this share. Then, it is followed by the United States, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Greece, Japan and Portugal.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The chestnut tree has been used by humankind since ancient times, thanks to its chestnut fruit. The chestnut, which lives between 200-500 years, can reach an average height of 20 to 30 meters and its trunk diameter is around 1.5 m. The bark of the chestnut is generally in a cracked structure. This tree also has a specific gravity between 560 and 650 kg/m³. The structure of this tree is quite similar to the oak tree. The most remarkable feature of the chestnut is that it has a high resistance to water, mud and decay. The chestnut is durable and tightly structured. It also has light brown or yellow heartwood, but this color usually darkens after it is cut. The sapwood, on the other hand, is usually dirty yellow, white or grey.
CHERRY
DISTRIBUTION
Fruit-bearing trees have always attracted the attention of humankind since the hunter-gatherer period. Cherry tree, one of these trees, is a remarkable tree that has attracted attention for a long time. It shows up with six important species. These are; Black Cherry Tree, Sweet Cherry Tree, Brazilian Cherry, Patagonian Cherry, Caribbean Cherry and Chilean Cherry. The cherry tree generally grows in temperate climates of Europe, Asia, America, Anatolia, and the Caucasus.
EXPORT/IMPORT
According to the world trade data, the countries that mostly export cherry tree timber are the United States, Chile, Italy, Spain and Iran. In addition, China takes first place in the list of mainly importing the cherry. Then, Germany, England and France respectively follow China.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The cherry tree is hard and durable. It can grow in height between 15 and 30 meters. Its trunk diameter, by the way, can reach about 120 cm. Veins of the cherry are generally smooth. Its wood has a fine texture and a beautiful natural shine. They are typically used in exterior designs. Moreover, the cherry has a reputation as durable and rot-resistant. It also shows good resistance to abrasion and crushing. The average dry weight of the cherry is 600 kg/m3. When it is freshly cut, the heartwood of the cherry generally has a light pinkish brown color. However, the wood may darken and turns reddish-brown with exposure to light. The sapwood of the cherry, on the other hand, is generally pale yellowish.
ALDER
DISTRIBUTION
Alder tree has many subspecies in the world. This tree grows in temperate climates and spreads in the Northern Hemisphere. The regions where it generally grows are Central and Western Europe, South America and Southeast Asia.
EXPORT/IMPORT
The USA is the leading country that mainly exports the alder timber. The other countries are Canada, Ukraine, France, Germany, and Turkey. When we look at its import volume, it can be seen that China comes the first place. Russia, England and Iran respectively follow China.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The alder specie belongs to the birch family. It grows well in moist, deep and acidic soils. The alder grows quickly and it can live about 100 to 120 years. The height of the tree is between 25 to 30 meters. Also, its trunk diameter can reach 100 cm. Its bark is often smooth and grey in color and its shoots are generally green or purple. The alder’s weight varies between 530 and 800 kg/m3. It has many porous, but they are too small to be seen with the naked eye. There is almost no color difference between its heartwood and the sapwood. Generally, they are light brown or white. When it is freshly cut, the color of the alder can be seen as yellowish red, but it becomes rust red as it dries. After the drying process, the alder takes on a stable structure.
SPRUCE
DISTRIBUTION
Spruce is an industrial tree belonging to the Pinaceae family and has great economic importance. It has a wide distribution in the world, but mainly it grows in temperate and cold regions in North America, Scandinavia, Central and East Asia and the Black Sea. It is a tree species that usually belongs to the northern hemisphere.
EXPORT/IMPORT
The export of spruce trees is mainly made from Russia, Bulgaria, Austria and Cameroon. On the other hand, the top importers of spruce are India, Iran and Iraq. Since it’s not allowed to enter with its bark, the import and export process of the spruce should be carried out after its barks are peeled.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
The spruce is a large tree with a straight and cylindrical trunk. It can reach 40 to 50 meters in length and 1 to 1.8 m in width. Its wet weight is generally 790 kg/m3, but its dried weight is around 420 kg/m3. The color of the sapwood and heartwood of the spruce are not divided. Its trunk has the characteristics of sapwood and its color is mostly yellowish-white. Moreover, it has smooth veins with a fine and regular texture. Also its resin ducts are pretty common. Its wood generally has a low weight and medium density. Finally, its wood is not durable and its impregnation is challengeable.
OAK
DISTRIBUTION
The oak tree, which has 65 million years of history, has been the most preferred tree species in terms of characteristics and history. The oak can be seen in every part of the world and its nearly 400 species grow on the continents of Asia, Europe, America, Australia and Africa. Although the homeland of the tree is known as Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Greece and Iraq, most species of this tree grow in the United States. The second region where the oak tree is most abundant is the Asian continent, especially China.
EXPORT/IMPORT
The oak is one of the most traded trees. If we look at the oak export in more detail, the countries that mainly export this tree are the United States, France, Belgium, Germany and Russia. China, on the other hand, is the leading importer of this tree. Vietnam, Canada and Austria are the other important countries that import the oak.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
Although there are many different types of oak trees, they are similar in terms of general characteristics. It is known that many species of oak can live up to 500 years based on environmental conditions. This feature proves to us this tree is strong and durable. However, its sapwood is less stable than the heartwood. It also has a heavy, veined and dense texture. Thanks to these properties, it shows good resistance against fungus and molds. The wet weight of the oak is generally 1000 kg/m³, but its dry weight is between 700 and 780 kg/m³. Its trunk diameter varies between 50 and 150 centimeters. Moreover, the color of the tree varies between dark yellow and dark brown tones. Generally, its sapwood is yellowish-white, but the core wood is dark yellow.