5 Reasons Red Alder Trees Are Crucial To The Pacific Northwest

This Tree Provides Food For Other Animals To Eat

Every plant in every forest is part of a substantial ecosystem, releasing seeds from one plant for an animal to pick up the remains. Birds and small mammals look for these seeds on the floor of the forest because they fall during the winter months when finding food gets harder. Redpolls, goldfinches, and mice all consume these seeds, but they fall in such abundance that there’s no risk to the population. These seeds support their digestive tract, keeping them full until their next meal.

The Bark Is Used To Make Medicine

The red alder tree’s bark is one of the most important pieces to harvest. Scientists capture the natural nutrients from the bark as one of the main ingredients in different infusions. According to current research, the use of these extracts makes natural treatments for issues like congestion, colds, and even anemia. In the right balance, the bark works to soothe pain or provide a laxative effect. At one point, it was a crucial ingredient to relieve sores or other irritations in the skin.

The Lumber Of Red Adler Trees Is Softer Than Others

If you decide to work with red alder lumber for your main hardwood, you’re in luck. As one of the softest hardwood options presently available, it bends without breaking easily. It has 9,800 PSI bending strength, which is why many people choose it for their cabinetry or decorative furniture.

As you use this hardwood, the low cost is one of the biggest advantages. The rise in the popularity of this hardwood is part of the reason that the cost has come down so dramatically through the years. While the hardwood won’t last forever, the right construction gives it 40-60 years before needing replacement.

They Prevent Erosion In The Landscape

While there are many obvious advantages to using red alder wood after harvesting, it also serves a purpose when it is still in the ground. Many cities in the Pacific Northwest use it as a natural and safe method to prevent erosion. Steep slopes come with a high risk of erosion during inclement weather, but planting a few of these trees gives you protection. Though the payoff isn’t immediate, the falling leaves eventually create a layer of litter that obstructs erosion. The litter layer takes 3-5 years to form after planting, but the long-term protection from damage gives this tree even more value.

Red Alder Trees Improve Soil

The ecological importance of red alder trees is just as important as the way that they support natural medicine and the lumber industry. It doesn’t take long for the trees to invade bare soil because it only requires a shallow area to take root initially. As it grows, the roots balance out the nitrogen levels with a bacteria that thrives in disturbed soil. This bacteria – known as an actinomycete – can even balance out the bacteria and other compounds in soil that other plants use as well.