Urban Wood Utilization Resources
The highest value of an urban tree is when it’s living; however, if a tree is killed or damaged, there are many ways to recycle it. Urban wood includes logs, brush and chips generated from urban or community trees. Urban wood utilization is not a novel notion, but with the introduction of emerald ash borer, it has become more prevalent.
Once a community realizes its need to deal with wood efficiently and productively, community leaders can use the links and information listed below to help manage this resource. For additional and more specific information pertinent to your local area, contact your local DNR Forest Products Specialist.
Manufacturers Of Urban Wood Directory
The Manufacturers of Urban Wood Directory [PDF] is a listing of companies and individuals who have shared with the Wisconsin DNR that they provide utilization options for urban wood in Wisconsin. The DNR presents this list with no intended endorsement of a particular company or services rendered, nor are criticism implied of companies not listed. Additional companies are available in Wisconsin but have not contacted the department and therefore are not listed.
Each company/organization provided descriptions of its services. The DNR takes no responsibility for any representation as to services provided made by the companies on this list.
The DNR developed this list based on available resources and proactive outreach and contacts. The list is not inclusive. If you are interested in adding your company or organization to this list, please contact the DNR Forest Products Team at DNRForestProducts@wisconsin.gov with your company name and information (address, phone, website, type of services provided and species utilized).
- Urban Wood Network – Wisconsin Chapter
The Wisconsin Chapter is a network of independent businesses and organizations in Wisconsin that reclaim urban trees for their highest and best uses, collaborating to divert quality logs from a chipper or landfill and transform them into enduring wood goods.
Community Utilization Resources
- Forest Utilization and Marketing Resources
Publications and other resources for Wisconsin's forest products industry. - Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry’s Emerald Ash Borer Community Toolbox
The emerald ash borer toolbox helps municipal governments plan and respond to this pest. - Wood Utilization Options for Urban Trees Infested by Invasive Species [PDF exit DNR]
This publication is a compilation of information on the properties, processing characteristics and potential products that can be manufactured from hardwoods that various invasive species have attacked. - The Urban Wood Toolkit [PDF exit DNR]
This guide and checklist will help communities develop a wood utilization plan. The worksheet will help walk communities through some of the issues that need to be considered when developing a wood utilization plan. - Harvesting Trees with Modern Logging Equipment [exit DNR]
A video from Oak Creek, Wis. (length 12:47) with a demonstration and analysis of the effectiveness of mechanized cut-to-length equipment to remove and process urban trees.
Design Professional And Consumer Resources
- Wood in Biophilic Design (DNR WEBINAR)
Learn about biophilic design and the many benefits of building with wood. - Urban Wood: Using Local Materials to Enhance Design and Sustainability on Projects [exit DNR]
This webinar will introduce urban wood, explain what it is, where it comes from, its grade and characteristics, and considerations when sourcing. The presentations will explore how wood can support sustainability goals for the local economy and reduce waste, and how the use of wood can achieve wellness goals on a project.