If you've ever traveled to Pennsylvania, you were most likely in awe of the green mountains all across the horizon. Pennsylvania, also named "Penn's Woods" by William Penn, is known throughout the world for its rolling hills and massive amount of trees. Even though the state has large cities like Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, most of the state is dedicated to agriculture, along with vast forest. The "woods" are always so near, it's as though they're right out the back door of any home. There are many different types of trees that are home to Pennsylvania, and also home to many animals that are nurtured in them.
With so many kinds of trees available, it's easy to see why furniture, hardwood flooring, musical instruments, bumpers for subway trains, kitchen cabinets and bridge decking are made of the state's hardwood. The maple syrup poured on Sunday morning pancakes comes from the Sugar Maple hardwood tree. That same tree feeds birds and animals all year long by providing seeds, bark and twigs as food. The black cherry tree is harvested to manufacture fine furniture and kitchen cabinets. The White Oak is a tree that's been used in boat building, whiskey barrels and hardwood flooring.
The trees that create the famous wood products that come from Pennsylvania also beckon to millions of travelers in the fall. As the trees turn beautiful orange, yellow, red, gold and even purple, the highways become filled with tourists who want to see and take a picture that's actually difficult for the eye to contain the beauty. Thousands of acres of the state turn into such beauty that anyone can see why millions make the state their home. The 100 foot tall Tulip Tree that's loaded with gorgeous yellow-green flowers is used for butcher's blocks and moldings. The tree known as red oak produces a wood that's used for furniture, hardwood floors, cabinets and pallets. If you've felt how smooth and strong the handle of a hammer or an ax is, it's probably been made out of a Shagbark Hickory tree. When you walked along the railroad tracks, you've walked on ties made of Chestnut Oak.
These are just a few of the trees Pennsylvania lands are famous for. They grow wild in the forest and provide food and shelter for animals while there, and hardwood for homes and flooring when they're harvested. They also provide jobs here in the state for thousands of workers.
But that's for another blog...