Feature Timbers That Stand for Something

What is Old Growth, and Why Does it Matter?

Old growth forests - sometimes also called primary, natural, virgin, native, or Indigenous forests - feature mature trees, abundant biodiversity, and critical habitats for native flora and fauna. These revered and ancient ecosystems can be thousands of years old and include the tropical rainforests of Asia, Africa, and South America; Western Red Cedar in Canada; and the protected native forests of Australia. Their age and complexity mean that old growth forests can support a staggering diversity of wildlife while also providing a tangible, living link to the past.

Simply put, once lost, these natural treasures can never be replaced.

New Growth Timbers are the Future

Timber plays an essential role in New Zealand’s local and export economy, particularly in relation to the growing demands of our building industry amid a critical housing shortage. To maintain that production pipeline while preventing the destruction of old growth forests and protecting the important biodiversity and ecosystem benefits they provide, we must innovate and create sustainable alternatives. New Growth, rapidly renewable forests – sometimes also called planted, managed or plantation forests – are part of the solution.

These purpose-grown forests are fast-growing, designed to regenerate, and carefully managed to minimise environmental impacts. Planted pine forests can provide many long-term ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, timber, recreation, water regulation, and soil stabilisation. Well-managed planted forests can maintain or even improve soil health while supporting a diverse range of organisms, plants and birds, including endangered species.

In New Zealand, most of our New Growth forests are Radiata. These carefully selected trees are ready for harvest in as little as 27 years and are one of the most effective species for carbon storage. This is due to Radiata’s fast growth and high yield; by the time it is harvested, a hectare of Radiata will, on average, have sequestered 488-779 tonnes of carbon dioxide. These forests, when well-managed, offer infinite potential for carbon sequestration, with trees felled for timber products becoming carbon stores and then being replaced by new trees that can fulfil the same role.

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Certified Timbers

To ensure that we are doing the best we can for the natural environment, Abodo sources our New Growth timbers through forestry partners who are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC ®) certified. This means that they are committed to responsible timber production that preserves biological diversity and a range of wildlife habitats while protecting local water sources from erosion and contamination.

Not only are FSC champions of the forest; their practices benefit the lives of local people and workers, ensuring they sustain economic viability.

Featured projects: Pahi House - Kaipara Harbour, Panorama House - Colorado