There is a good market for hardwood trees, and people with standing hardwoods on their land should not have any trouble selling the timber. Although many wood products, such as furniture, are made from hardwoods, the majority of trees being planted to sell are pines. About 30 percent of state forests are planted strictly in pines, and about 17 percent are made up of a mixture of hardwood and softwood species. Hardwoods are used for many purposes depending on the specific type and quality of the wood. The forestry specialist said pines are more popular than hardwoods because of economical and biological reasons.
Pines give landowners a quicker harvest because they generally grow faster than hardwoods.
An example of the differences in average prices was seen recently. One reason hardwoods generally do not bring as much is because of the emphasis on clear wood in hardwood markets. Since many hardwood trees are used to make furniture and other decorative items, clear wood is desirable and any natural defect, such as knots, decreases the value. Pines, on the other hand, are used for products where small visual defects are not as important. Strength is important.