A new U.S. Forest Service publication, Urban Residential Landowner Interest in Emerging Urban Wood Product Markets: Results from a Multi-City Survey, provides new insight into how homeowners across the United States engage with and perceive urban wood products and markets. The study highlights both the scale of urban wood resources and the opportunities to better utilize material that is often discarded as waste.
The research examined responses from residential landowners in six U.S. cities to better understand participation in urban wood systems and interest in urban wood products. Findings showed that approximately 15% of respondents had previously purchased or acquired urban wood products, demonstrating that a meaningful segment of urban residents is already participating in these emerging markets.
Interest was strongest for lower-value products such as mulch, wood chips, and compost, while products such as lumber and furniture generated lower—but still notable—levels of interest. The study also found that homeowners rely heavily on private-sector professionals, including landscaping and tree care companies, as well as friends and family, for trusted information related to tree care and wood utilization. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations were viewed as less influential information sources.
The publication underscores the significant opportunity to expand urban wood utilization efforts nationwide. Over the past two decades, urban tree removals have generated volumes of wood that exceed annual harvests from the U.S. National Forest System, yet much of this material continues to enter the waste stream. Strengthening local urban wood economies could support landfill diversion, create new business opportunities, encourage sustainable material use, and increase public awareness of the value of urban forests.
As one of the largest surveys of urban wood perceptions and practices conducted to date, the publication establishes an important baseline for future research, outreach, and market development efforts aimed at increasing participation in urban wood economies.
For more information on this study please visit: Urban Residential Landowner Interest in Emerging Urban Wood Product Markets: Results from a Multi-City Survey | US Forest Service Research and Development
Over the years, a growing body of research has proven that regular access to trees makes us happier and healthier. They restore our sense of calm from head to toe — improving memory and attention span, enhancing cognitive functioning, lowering blood pressure and reducing cortisol levels. 
With recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133, more affectionately known at “The Z”, is the standard that contains arboriculture safety requirements for pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing trees, cutting brush and using equipment in such operations. If you’re reading this newsletter, you, your staff or your contactors likely participate in work that falls under the purview of this standard.