Sitka Spruce
Sitka Spruce
With over 40 different species in the Spruce family, the Sitka Spruce
(Picea sitchensis) is not only the biggest but also the highest
regarded. Grown in the land of giants - Northwest America - It takes
its name from Sitka, the old Russian capital of Alaska on Baranof
Island. Growing up to 300 feet, they cover the landscape like a thick
blanket, making it the most valuable tree species in Alaska.
A quick and easy way to identify Sitka Spruce is to grab a branch - the
needles stick out in all directions and hurt. Unlike other conifers,
Sitka Spruce needles can take in minerals such as calcium and
phosphorus from ocean spray.
The Environment
With mounting concerns over the conservation of the environment, the
timber we use is always 'certified'. This guarantees that all the
timber we buy has been grown in 'well managed' forests that follow very
strict rules laid down by the government. Not only do these include
felling and conservation issues, but a strong emphasis is placed on
re-planting and regeneration. In the USA and Canada this has been so
successful that forest growth (standing timber) is increasing by 33%
each year, after harvesting! For every tree felled, two new trees have
to be planted.
Unlike European Spruce from Norway and Russia, Sitka Spruce is relatively free from defects such as knots, and at one time used so extensively in the Aviation industry its grading became known as 'Aircraft Quality Spruce'. With the decline in demand, prices went up, and now not many timber companies in the UK find it worth while importing. However with no real substitute, and our total usage volume of over 1500 cubic feet a year, there are still a handful of loyal timber importers who go to great lengths to provide us with not only good quality Sitka Spruce, but also the long lengths required for masts.
The Environment
With mounting concerns over the conservation of the environment, the
timber we use is always 'certified'. This guarantees that all the
timber we buy has been grown in 'well managed' forests that follow very
strict rules laid down by the government. Not only do these include
felling and conservation issues, but a strong emphasis is placed on
re-planting and regeneration. In the USA and Canada this has been so
successful that forest growth (standing timber) is increasing by 33%
each year, after harvesting! For every tree felled, two new trees have
to be planted.Unlike European Spruce from Norway and Russia, Sitka Spruce is relatively free from defects such as knots, and at one time used so extensively in the Aviation industry its grading became known as 'Aircraft Quality Spruce'. With the decline in demand, prices went up, and now not many timber companies in the UK find it worth while importing. However with no real substitute, and our total usage volume of over 1500 cubic feet a year, there are still a handful of loyal timber importers who go to great lengths to provide us with not only good quality Sitka Spruce, but also the long lengths required for masts.
