More than aesthetically appealing, Pine is an outdoor survival resource

Outdoor fanatics will know that there are many medicinal and survival resources available in mother nature’s trees, but for the most part many of us only see timber products as the ideal material for beautiful furniture, elegant fencing and log cabins. The pine tree is more than just wood, it is known as the emperor of the forest, and is one of the most valuable survival resources on earth, thanks to its versatility.

Looking at a pine tree, you may be somewhat underwhelmed without knowing that its real potential lies within. Scratch the surface, quite literally, to discover the wonders that nature can produce in even the most innocuous-looking piece of wood.

Bedding & Fires

Dried pine needles make ideal fire starters, they burn fast and are used as a means to get the larger logs going. Keeping warm at night, while outdoors, is essential to avoid hypothermia. Small, controlled fires are also ideal for keeping any unwanted animal visitors at bay.

Pine needles, when bunched together, can provide soft cushioning when a bed is nowhere to be seen, and because the innate acidity of the pine is quite high, you don’t have to worry about bed bugs as pine naturally repels fleas.

There are many medicinal properties of pine, and some survival experts will tell you that a pine needle tea is not unusual, by a long shot. The tea is high in Vitamin C, making it great for treating flu symptoms and it’s an antiseptic. In addition, pine bark contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for wound treatment.

Medicine & Water

Chew on this. Pine bark is packed full of antioxidants and while chewing on a steak is certainly much tastier, gnawing on a piece of bark is certainly healthier. The fleshy inside contains many nutrients, which also make it ideal to use as a ‘band aid’ to cover scratches and bites. And, just when you thought that pine bark couldn’t possibly get any cooler, the fibres also make this tree a natural filtration system for cleaner water.

Dead pine wood is known for its water retention abilities and is used to maintain moisture in soil that is often dried out in the harsh summer months. Many landscapers and gardening enthusiasts purchase pieces of pine, which they actually bury under the garden soil. Because pine soaks up water and filters it out slowly, this method effectively keeps the soil moist and your plants satiated.

Shelter & Warmth

Aside from the warmth of a pine needle fires, pine wood creates a warm, insulated shelter. The actual wooden part of the pine tree is an extremely adaptable material that is popularly used in constructing and insulating homes, thanks to its heat-retention properties. When you’re out in the cold forest, keeping warm is essential as you don’t want to expend energy on trying to stay warm. Finding pine needles, branches and pieces of bark will go a long way to keeping you warm and comfortable.

Sustenance

Last but not least, pine trees offer us little bits of heaven with their pine cones that hold a healthy little secret. Break open a cone and find pine nuts inside, which are particularly good when roasted over an open fire that can also be started with the actual pine cone itself. These nuts are not a full meal, but they certain do assist in keeping sugar and energy levels elevated.

Pine wood really is the unsung hero, its bounty of survival resources, production quality in the wood industry, and aesthetic appeal in the interior design sector, make pine one of the most popular natural resources across the world.

If you’re not much of an outdoor person and prefer the natural setting of your backyard with its lovely Newtechwood decking, wooden fencing, or the warmth of your home with its pine insulation, then remember to hug a pine tree the next time you’re out. If you’re keen to enjoy the eco-friendly properties of this wondrous topiary, then contact pine timber specialists for assistance. It’s a natural resource that makes our lives easy whether we’re in the city or in nature.