Certain species of trees are also better at sequestering carbon, typically those that rot more slowly. However, the big factor is in what is done with the trees. Tree farms do little to help since they are cut down every 30 years or so, thus re-releasing the carbon.

Also, keep in mind that in old growth forests, 99% of the carbon is actually sequestered for tens of thousands of years, in the soil. Clearcutting such forests releases not just the vast amounts of carbon in the trees, but 100 times that from the soil that begins to erode very quickly.

So, when we work toward reforestation, we must also try to do so in a naturalistic way, with multiple species of trees that are allowed to grow untouched for thousands of years. Yes, I know it's a tad time-consuming, but we didn't think about that when we cut down all of those forests.

And, we're still doing it. Kimberly Clark, maker of Kleenex and Scott Tissue, refuses to even consider stopping clearcutting of old growth forest to make their tissues and toilet paper. Marcal and Green Forest offer good alternatives made from recycled paper if this moves you to boycott Kimberly Clark.

if you would like the info on the greatest carbon sequestration tree please go to planitplantitplanet.org

haste makes less waste in this case

Thanks Justin. The Paulownia has a working market in the lumber industry and is well sought after America now with a sustainable renewable resource tag. 4 to 5 year old trees yielding a conservative 200 to 300 board feet. Harvests can start as soon as the 1st year harvesting 16 to 30 foot poles at 4” to 5” diameter Paulownia, originally from China, can produce a butt log of mill able quality hardwood timber within four to six years. This compares with a minimum of 18-20 years for other hardwoods.

Characteristics: Wood harvested from faster-growing trees tend to be darker in color whereas slower growing trees from cooler climates produces a finer grained, lighter wood. Paulownia provides the craftsman with a wood that is non-warping, resistant to water damage and rot, unaffected by humidity and does not require kiln drying. Prized in Japan for centuries for it’s beauty, workability and light weight.

Paulownia has the potential to become the wood of choice in the North American market.