The Ponderosa Pine is the state tree of Montana. The pine-oak belt is intermediate in moisture supply, temperature, and soil conditions, and it is the hillside region where the greatest variety of plants are found. Most stands of Ponderosa are selectively harvested rather than clear cut. This method of logging removes only the mature trees and leaves the other trees to re-seed and grow. Ponderosa Pine has a straight, uniform grain which can be planed to a clear, smooth surface.
Most lumber is dried, or seasoned, before using.
Ponderosa is relatively unaffected by humidity, making it valuable for work that requires close-fitting joints. It has a uniform cell structure and seasons with minimal splitting, cupping, or warping. The lumber is easy to work with either hand or machine tools. The large proportion of sapwood in Ponderosa Pine makes it well suited to pressure treating because the preservatives can penetrate the sapwood cells deeply and uniformly. Treated wood can be used for fences, planters, storage sheds, play structures, decking, benches and other outdoor structures.