Why an arborist is fighting to change how we value native timber
In short: Most fallen trees are simply chipped into mulch, their potential lost to waste. But one specialist is using his expertise in arboriculture to rescue valuable wood, transforming salvaged eucalyptus into high-end furniture to challenge our preference for traditional hardwoods like oak.
Duncan, an arborist and furniture maker, operates at the intersection of tree care and craftsmanship. His journey began in rock climbing, which led him into arboriculture. While managing living trees, he noticed a significant amount of high-quality timber being discarded as mulch. Recognizing the inherent value in this material, he began salvaging wood, initially for small projects like carving spoons.
To elevate his craft, Duncan invested in a portable mill and sought formal training in design and furniture making at The Jam Factory, a renowned craft institution in South Australia. His work aims to explore the tension between the natural world and our constructed environments. He specifically focuses on the concept of abundance versus scarcity, noting that while capitalism prizes scarcity, the environment thrives on abundance.
A central mission of his work is shifting public perception regarding Australian native species. In many timber markets, oak is traditionally viewed as more prestigious or valuable than eucalypt. Duncan uses his furniture to highlight the beauty of native varieties, such as River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Ironbark (Eucalyptus tricarpa), and Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi).
Beyond furniture, Duncan remains a specialist in protecting 'Veteran trees'—ancient specimens that are often misunderstood or at risk of being lost. By participating in both the preservation of living trees and the repurposing of fallen timber, he seeks to honor the full lifecycle of the forest's most important inhabitants.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: An arborist repurposing timber to make sustainable furniture | My Garden Path | Gardening Australia
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