The wood we use comes from two types of trees. One type is called broad-leaved trees and the other type is called conifers. Broad-leaved trees grow slowly and have hard wood. Conifers grow much faster and their wood is usually softer.
This oak tree is over 100 years old.
Broad-leaved trees such as oak and maple have wide leaves. Most broad-leaved trees are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the autumn. Broad-leaved trees usually grow in mild climates, but some grow in tropical rainforests. Timber from broad-leaved trees is known as hardwood.
Most of our wood comes from conifers.
Conifer trees have needle-like leaves and grow well in cold conditions. They are grown in large forests called plantations. Plantations are like tree farms. The timber from conifer trees is called softwood.
Wood from conifers is used to build houses.
Fast growing softwood trees like Scots pine are used to make telegraph poles and the frames for some houses. Timber from slow growing hardwoods, such as oak, is used for making furniture.