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THE BENEFITS OF SLOW-GROWTH SHORTLEAF PINE LUMBER IN MISSOURI

Missouri's forests are home to a variety of valuable tree species, including Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata). Natural regeneration Shortleaf Pine found in Missouri’s forests is characterized by slow tree growth and tight
growth rings, provide a source of high-quality lumber prized for its strength and stability. In contrast, fast-growing plantation Shortleaf Pine has become increasingly common. This shift raises concerns about potential
differences in lumber quality, particularly when compared to the desirable characteristics of lumber from slow-growth, natural forests. This paper will discuss the benefits of lumber sawn from natural forest slow-growth
Shortleaf Pine in Missouri, with a focus on its superior dimensional stability and mechanical properties - attributes that make it comparable to the old-growth timber of previous generations. This report is a
component of the “Missouri Shortleaf Pine Utilization Assessment”.