Wood Explorer

Wood Explorer

Longleaf pine: Strongest of the southern pines

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii of the family Pinaceae), also called fat pine or heart pine, is one of the four major species making up the southern pines. It is the strongest of the four, the tallest (over 100 feet) and the most fire resistant.

Wood Explorer

Black locust: Decay resistant, tough & durable.

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a member of the legume family; it can “fix nitrogen” in the soil. While native to the Appalachian Mountains, from Pennsylvania to Alabama, in the last century, it has spread to almost every state. With a widespread, shallow root system, it is ideal for thin soils where it will prevent soil erosion, and it is often used for strip-mine reclamation projects barren due to mining debris and acid soils.