Earthbilt™ | 917/543-4064 | info@earthbilt.com
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Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a fast-growing tree native to the United States. Black locust wood is considered “extremely durable” by the US Forest Products Laboratory. It is also highly impact-resistant. Because of this, we often refer to it as American Teak™.
Originally found growing in two small areas of the Ozarks and southern Alleghenies, the species was found in the early 1600s to be so durable that farmers began planting it to grow their own trees to harvest wood to use as fenceposts, toolhandles and other uses. This spread the species around the US, from Maine to Oregon to California. Black locust is now considered an invasive species in the Northeast US and other areas of the country. Cutting this tree outside its native range is almost always considered to be sustainable.
Black locust was planted throughout Europe. Called “Robinia” in Europe, there are currently thousands of acres of plantations. The largest Robinia plantations are in South Korea, as people around the world have recognized the value of this species. Black locust will outlast almost any wood in the outdoors; fenceposts lasting 90 years or more in the ground (without treatment) are not uncommon.
Earthbilt™ works with numerous mills to produce our Robinwoods™ brand of durable, domestic hardwoods, including black locust for boardwalks, home decking, fencing, siding and other uses.
Call 917/543-4064 or email Earthbilt™ today with your needs and we can provide design advice and a quote.
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