Tackling Climate Change: Is Planting Trees Really the Answer?

Did you know that 75% of UK adults are concerned about climate change? Although it sounds bleak, that is actually a very hopeful statistic – the more people worry about the planet, the better chance we have of saving it! From reducing plastic to using trains instead of cars, we can all do our bit to help the world. But what about planting trees? Could well-placed forests and woodlands really be the answer to our climate concerns? Let us take a look.

The Link Between Trees and Climate Change

Trees (or, in this case, forests) and our climate are intrinsically linked. Together the two work harmoniously to create the healthy, happy atmosphere our world needs to thrive. Trees are well-known for absorbing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is notorious for warming our planet, and releasing oxygen. In other words, they breathe in the bad stuff and breathe out the good.

Could Planting Trees Combat Our Carbon Emissions?

Tree planting could be an incredible way to keep the disastrous effects of climate change at bay. By planting more trees on degraded land, we can create forests which absorb and store the carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere, lowering its levels while also restoring the depleted soil, filtering air and water and adding vital shade area. Analysis of the world’s land found that 1.7 billion hectares are available for new forests, which would allow for 1.2 trillion native trees to be grown. By doing this we could see carbon dioxide levels drop by a third, which is incredible!

But Planting Isn’t Always the Answer

Planting trees will definitely help us to absorb carbon dioxide, but it is not necessarily the answer to saving the planet. Whilst forests can store large amounts of CO?, the real solution is to stop producing emissions altogether. Until this happens, trees will never be able to combat entirely our negative impact on the planet.

Focusing on Stopping Deforestation Needs to Come First

It is vital that we do not put so much focus on planting new trees that we forget about the ones already standing. The forests we have are huge carbon stores, with  CO? captured both in the trees themselves and in the soil in which they grow. When we destroy the forests, this CO? is mostly released back into the atmosphere, compounding the problem.

So whilst planting trees can be fantastic, it needs to be done alongside reducing our emissions, including from deforestation. One way to do this is through sustainable forest management. By monitoring the number of trees being felled, reducing disruption to the land and replanting new trees, the impact of our actions is greatly reduced.

How Can You Help?

There are a number of ways you can help the effort to save our forests and reduce the effects of climate change. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Go paperless wherever possible
  • Cut down on beef (cattle farming is one of the biggest causes of deforestation)
  • Always choose products from certified sustainable forests

Find Sustainably Sourced Timber at EcoChoice

At EcoChoice, we are well aware of the fine balance between cutting down trees for practical uses whilst not harming the planet. That is why we only ever source wood that has been third-party certified as coming from sustainably managed forests such as FSC certified areas. To learn more or find your perfect eco-friendly timber species, feel free to get in touch with our team today and we will be happy to help!

Image: G-Stock Studio / Shutterstock.com

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Climate change and tree planting

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Unsure which timer is best for your project?

Our timber experts have years of experience and will be able to match the perfect species to your project, as well as provide a quote for sustainable timber at highly competitive prices.

Frequently asked questions

Do you supply timber for domestic uses?

Yes, we supply timber for domestic applications as well as commercial and public constructions. From garden decking to shed cladding, we will be happy to supply smaller deliveries for home use.

Is your timber FSC-certified?

Yes, all timber we supply is FSC or PEFC certified and sourced from independently verified responsibly managed forests. If we can’t find your request in FSC/PEFC certified timber we’ll suggest an alternative that is certified or clearly note that the offer is minimum EUTR.

Where does EcoChoice deliver to?

EcoChoice delivers to construction sites, warehouses and homes across the UK, as long as there’s access and unloading for our trucks.

What are the best timber species for exterior use?

There are many different timber species suitable for exterior use and which is the best for your project depends on your requirements. In general, though, we recommend EkkiGreenheartOpepe and Oak for heavier civil/marine uses. For intermediary external use such as decking, where the timber needs to be both strong and durable but not on the same level as civil engineering (bridgespiling, etc) we usually supply CumaruIpe, Jatoba, and Balau. And for the lighter exterior use where the timber is non-structural such as cladding, we deliver CedarLarchThermowood and others.

Which timber is the most durable?

Durability Class 1 timbers are the most durable. This of course depends on the use (hazard) class they’ll be in service for. For direct ground and water contact such as sleepers, fenders, marine piling, etc, Ekki and Greenheart are known to be the most durable timbers available. For decking and cladding where there’s no direct ground contact (use class 3) there’s a much wider range of timbers such Larch, Cedar, Thermo modified Pine or Ash and others.

What’s the best timber for internal cladding?

Internal cladding, where your timber is not in ground and not exposed to the elements can be classed as either use-class 1 or 2 – in which case most timbers will meet this durability criteria. That is not to say they’ll be the best, since internal environments have lower humidity (moisture) levels than outside. So in these cases, it’s best to go for a kiln-dried timber cladding board as these are more stable and delivered already in lower MC (moisture content) than the usual fresh sawn timbers sent to external applications. A word of caution – as timber reacts to variations in moisture, it’s best to avoid cladding any areas inside your bathroom.

How can I make decking less slippery?

The first thing is to ensure your deck boards are kept clean from leaves and other debris which will, over time, cover the surface and make it more slippery. Grooved boards can be used to improve grip if installed and used perpendicular to traffic, so especially useful in narrow passages and footbridges. Lastly, you can add our Grip-Choice strips: these are a mix of epoxy with aggregates that add gripping ridges to your deck area. Gripchoice is an easy way to make decking less slippery and safer, especially over large areas or where there’s high traffic. We can pre-install Grip-Choice strips for your decking before delivery or ship the strips separately to add to your existing deck’s grooves as a retro-fit solution.

What wood machining services do you offer?

We can offer planing, sawing, drilling and profiling of rough-sawn wood to any profile you require: from handrails to large port fenders.

Can you supply pre-drilled timber?

Yes, we will be happy to provide pre-drilled timber which is tailored to your needs for quick installation, thus saving you valuable time on site.

What cladding profiles do you supply?

We provide a wide range of cladding profiles, including tongue and groove, featheredge and shiplap. You can check the standard profiles here – but we can also match or custom make profiles to suit your specific needs.

Does timber change colour?

Yes, timber is well-known for changing colour over time. Some species can darken quickly right after installation, and like most untreated wood will eventually weather to a beautiful silver-grey. Interior timber is less likely to change colour (depending on conditions), and timber can be stained, painted or treated with UV-resistant oils to reduce colour change.

Do I need to treat exterior timber?

Some timbers such as Oak and Ekki, can withstand the strains of exterior use without any treatment. However, to extend the lifespan and maintain the aesthetic of your wood, we do recommend treating your timber with stains and oils. Pre-treated timber, such as ThermoWood and OrganoWood, are low-maintenance options which are more durable, but can have their life service extended by applying a clean and stain maintenance schedule.

Do I need to treat interior timber?

Depends on what area the timber is being used. For floor joists and timber rafters, it is common to see timber treated, or least very well kiln-dried. Other uses such as flooring may benefit from varnishing while internal timber cladding for decorative purposes shouldn’t require any treatment other than if you want to change its colour with different types of stains or oils.

Where are you based?

We’re based in Cambridge, UK, and coordinate multiple sawmills all over the world to manufacture your order. We then organise delivery with a range of hauliers so that your orders gets to your site on time.

What are the usual decking sizes?

Timber decking is usually 21x140mm or similar. For heavier applications where there’s more load and traffic, we deliver 35 or 45mm thick boards (such as Hastings Pier). Narrower boards are also possible: 95-90mm is a standard width – but we can manufacture whatever size you require.

What are the usual cladding sizes?

Typical cladding section sizes are 18×95 and 18x145mm although we can always custom make a section to suit your project’s design requirements. That includes waney edge boards in Oak or Chestnut as well as extra wide 195mm boards.

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Always helpful! One of our valued TDCA DeckMark and CladMark accredited supplier members which means their quality procedures are routinely audited and stand up to scrutiny giving you extra peace of mind.

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Janet Sycamore

Having needed the supply of cladding, decking boards and other specified timbers through out the year Eco choice have been very helpful in sourcing the specified timbers and quantities required at a very competitive price.

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Great quality, service and price. A pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend Eco Choice.

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Fantastic company- Mike and the team are the best in the business- worked with them for many years.

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Good quality, great service, fast delivery!

Marinella Li

  • 6 years ago

Fantastic company- Mike and the team are the best in the business- worked with them for many years.

Prem Raja

  • 6 years ago

Great quality, service and price. A pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend Eco Choice.

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