Cedar Wood
A tree native to mountainous regions from North America to Asia, cedar is known for its strong properties. There are many species of cedar but western red is commonly used for gardening purposes.
Pros
– Whilst native to areas outside of the UK, the species was introduced to Britain, planted in the UK for timber. (ref) British red cedar wood will be locally sourced and reduce emissions in terms of transport.
– Some species of Cedar are endanger, however the Western Red Cedar in Britain is not. (ref), (ref)
– The wood is durable and naturally resistant to fungi, due to natural preservatives. (ref)
– Cedar woods can be found FSC certified. (ref) Adhering to certifications that promote sustainability.
– The wood is usually reasonably priced. (ref)
Cons
– Imported Red Cedar tends to be more durable than locally sourced, but not by much. (ref) Imports will also have more impact on the environment due to the amount they will travel.
– Cedar imported from non-certified sources and from abroad may have further environmental impacts, threatening habitats along with indigenous cultures. (ref)
Cedar Summary
Western Red Cedar is grown in the UK and is a durable wood. Sourcing from the UK reduces the transport needed, and lower CO2 emissions. The wood can also be certified, helping to ensure its sustainable management. These factors demonstrate the ability of Cedar wood to be sustainable, however, woods imported from abroad many not be as sustainable as those produced in the UK.
It may be worth considering the fact that most UK gardens seem to be replaced within 20-30 years, be that through redesign or a new home owner altering the garden. If a garden will be replaced in a short period of time, it may not be worth using longer lasting materials that will not be able to live out there full potential, and a more sustainable, faster growing and faster degrading wood may be applicable, such as Pine.