Since 1989, the German environmental organisation ‘Tree of the Year - Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation’ has crowned a tree of the year every year to draw attention to different tree species. The aim of the foundation is to arouse interest in tree and nature conservation, to raise awareness of endangerments and threats and to impart knowledge that contributes to the preservation of nature for future generations. In 2025, the title of ‘Tree of the Year’ will go to the American red oak, a tree species known for its ecological benefits, versatility and high performance. These characteristics make it a key material for the future of climate-resilient forestry.

The tree owes its name to the characteristic red autumn colouring of its leaves. Although the name suggests a red colour, the grain of the wood is rarely red, but has a distinctively coarse texture and a striking, straight-grained grain pattern. The tall trees are particularly widespread in the mixed deciduous forests of eastern North America. They grow from north to south, at higher altitudes and in the lowlands, resulting in a variety of typical characteristics depending on the location. For over 300 years, the most widespread tree species in the deciduous forests of the USA has also been found in Europe, where it is increasingly being used for forestry.

Source: handwerkundbau.at