While recycled, reclaimed and reused is the best option, the next best solution is to select wood from a responsible wood source. At Urban Evolutions, we call this “Select Harvest.”

Here are a few frequently asked questions about what this means.   

Q: What is Urban Evolutions’ latest initiative in responsible wood sourcing? 

A: Urban Evolutions recently introduced “Select Harvest” wood sourcing as part of our UE LIVE SAWN Collection. This reflects our commitment to sustainable forestry practices and supports the Climate Smart Wood Group’s Procurement Guide, which helps North American businesses procure wood products in a way that benefits both forest and climate health. 

Q: What is Climate Smart Forestry? 

A: Climate Smart Forestry is a method of forest management aimed at achieving climate resilience. It involves low impact harvesting techniques and focuses on adapting forests to withstand climate challenges. Timber is a byproduct of this process, and the approach can include restoration harvesting, disturbance harvesting (such as post-wildfire), or urban wood sourcing.  

Q: What does “Select Harvest” mean? 

A: Select Harvest emphasizes low impact harvesting methods and targets at-risk, mature, or diseased trees, ensuring forests remain healthy and resilient. Unlike clear-cutting, which can disrupt ecosystems, our Select Harvest partners focus on maintaining forest regeneration and ecological balance. For ash and red oak, we partner with the Menominee Tribal Enterprises, whose forest “is regarded by some as the nation’s first sustainable forest.” 

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Q: What practices define Urban Evolutions’ Select Harvest approach? 

A: Urban Evolutions’ Select Harvest approach includes several key practices: 

• Partnering with suppliers we meet personally, ensuring shared values. 
• Prioritizing forest regeneration and health. 
• Responsible tree selection, focusing on trees that are mature, at-risk, or infested. 
• Avoiding clear-cutting to protect ecosystems and prevent invasive species. 
• Working with both FSC-certified suppliers and smaller forestry operations that follow responsible forestry practices, even if they lack certification. 

Q: What is the significance of red oak veneer in the Select Harvest collection? 

A: We see red oak as an eco-responsible alternative to white oak. Red oak is an abundant hardwood in North America, offering both environmental and aesthetic advantages over white oak.  

Red Oak paneling sourced from the Menominee Forest, Wisconsin

The slower-growing red oak found in Wisconsin forests exhibits a lighter tone compared to its southern counterparts, making it an especially attractive option for those seeking a light, refined look. Its light color, combined with a rich and consistent grain pattern, makes red oak highly desirable, and its availability and demand are more stable than white oak.  

Our Select Harvest partners focus on responsible forestry by targeting red oak trees that are at risk, diseased, or fully mature. This thoughtful approach protects the forest’s overall health, ensuring that younger, healthy trees have room to thrive. 

With harvesting pressures on white oak continuing to rise, we celebrate the beauty, abundance, and sustainability of red oak. By choosing red oak, customers can enjoy a modern aesthetic while contributing to sustainable forest management. 

Q: How does Urban Evolutions balance transparency and customer expectations? 

A: Transparency is a core value at Urban Evolutions. We believe projects that invest in real wood should know how and where that wood was harvested and be able to share that story with building occupants. When customers sample wood for projects, Urban Evolutions provides the harvesting source and method of that material offering.  Sourcing includes Reclaimed and Urban Wood, Select Harvest from those practicing Climate Smart Forestry and FSC-certified options.