Trees don't grow the way they used before managed forests. Centuries ago trees “ripened,“ in a sense, like grapes that produce vintage wines and took much longer to reach their full potential in height and girth. Forced to compete with neighboring trees for sunlight and rain, they took much longer to increase size. This resulted in tighter, finer rings, and therefore finer grain. And, in a given diameter, old-growth timber contains more 'wood' and less 'glue' holding it together. This increased density is synchronous with increased strength and durability.
“The furniture and objects I created with Forest Reflections silently communicate their uniqueness and journey from small oak sapling to one of a kind millwork piece.”
-- Bleyer Schneider, Artist