Today!
Historic Tragedy
Live oaks have dense, hard, and strong wood which is resistant to weather, water, and mechanical strain. The massive, low, curved branches and sweeping stems were useless for straight-grained, driedlumber as made from other trees. But the natural growth pattern of live oak made the perfect structural components for wooden sailing ships. Live oak forests first seen by Europeans were storm pruned,extensive, and contained many massive individual trees. Commerce and wars of the 1700’s generated demand for this premium wood for ship hull ribs, knees, and support parts. The old growth live oak forests were decimated by European nations, colonists, and early acts of our new nation.–Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care / University Hill Fellow/University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources