What's in a Tree? It's More Than Just Paper.

Just about everyone knows that paper is made from trees. But paper is only the beginning. Almost every part of a tree can be used to make something useful. When you add them all up, there are more than 5,000 products made from paper and paper-making by-products. Many are common and others, like football helmets, may surprise you. And the best part? Trees are a renewable resource. With proper forest management, Minnesota's trees will last for generations to come.

Whats-in-trees-Leaves-Needles

Leaves and Needles

  • Pine Oil
  • Cedar Oil
Whats-in-trees-Roots

Roots

  • Oil
  • Tea
Whats-in-Tree-Pulpwood

Pulpwood

  • Books
  • Calendars
  • Menus
  • Postage Stamps
  • Telephone Directories
  • Cellophane*
  • Film*
  • Shatterproof Glass
Whats-in-trees-Trunks

Trunk

  • Toothpicks
  • Furniture
  • Plywood
  • Veneer
  • Shingles*
  • Musical Instruments
  • Shoe Heels
  • Popsicle Sticks
Whats-in-trees-Saps

Saps, Gums & Resins

  • Crayons*
  • Hair Spray*
  • Shaving Cream*
  • Eyeglass Frames*
  • Maple Syrup*
  • Chewing Gum*
  • Medicine*
  • Paint*
  • Football Helmets*
Whats-in-trees-Bark

Bark

  • Dyes
  • Adhesives*
  • Flavorings*
  • Mulch
  • Fuel
Whats-in-trees-Sawdust

Sawdust

  • Composition Board
  • Filler for Linoleum
  • Plastics*
  • Soil Conditioner
  • Fuel Briquettes
  • Pulp

*Made from cellulose, oils and resins, the natural wood chemicals that are by-products of the paper-making process.

Source: TAPPI Public Outreach and American Forest & Paper Association