Beech has been called the mother of the forest. In mixed broad-leaved forests, other hardwood lumber trees would have greater difficulties surviving without it, as the rain drip from beech destroys many soil-exhausting weeds; its shade prevents over-evaporation of moisture from the soil, and its heavy crop of leaves provides humus to the soil.

Beech has been a popular wood for centuries in the making of treen. Treen is the name given to a kitchen utensil or other item such as bowls, platters, cups, ladles, clothes pegs, mortar and pestle, all carved from wood. Treen is now a highly sought-after collectible.

General Description

Freshly cut, it is whitish to very pale brown, turning yellowish brown on exposure. 'Steamed beech' (wood that has been steam-treated as part of the seasoning process) turns pinkish brown. A straight-grained wood with a fine, even texture.