See our fact sheet on Photosynthesis and the Paper Industry

Trees vary enormously in the time they take to reach their full size. Much depends on climate and the soil, but these figures give a rough comparison:

Willow 25-35 years
Sitka Spruce 50 years
Douglas Fir 55-60 years
Scots Pine 70-80 years
Norway Spruce 70-75 years
Oak 100 years

Oak trees usually live 200-300 years, but some have been known to live for more than 1,000 years.

When a tree trunk or thick branch is cut across, a series of dark rings can be seen. These are annual rings which result from seasonal growth. Each ring represents one year's growth. The grain in timber is caused by the annual rings which show when a log is cut. Teak, mahogany, oak, beech and elm have attractive grain and are used to make furniture (not for papermaking).