What is the use of mahogany tree?

First and foremost, mahogany trees are used as shade and ornamental trees. They are planted in backyards, parks, on medians and as street trees. The trees are also raised and felled for their hard, durable wood. It is used to make cabinets and furniture.

Why is mahogany illegal?

Following the path of ivory, in 2003, mahogany was listed on the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species in need of strict regulation to prevent its extinction. Because Peruvian mahogany is traded in violation of CITES, it is illegal to trade or possess it under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Where do mahogany trees grow?

Plant mahogany in full sun with plenty of room to spread. They are highly salt and drought tolerant and do well in coastal areas. Mahoganies grow to become large trees with aggressive roots. Generally, plant them no closer than 20 feet from permanent structures and 5 to 6 feet from sidewalks and curbs.

Why is mahogany so expensive?

Real mahogany is expensive, and the Vintage House explains why. It grows only in tropical locales and has to be imported. Mahogany is also costly because of its quality and appearance. It is among the most beautiful of the hardwoods and is solid, heavy and durable.

What eats a mahogany tree?

Pests. The mahogany tree suffers from a number of pests, including tent caterpillars, webworm, leaf notcher, scale insects, leaf miners and tip moth. Wood-boring insects can also pose a problem in trees that are under stress from poor nutrition or dehydration.

How long does mahogany wood last?

Genuine mahogany’s lifespan is a little different, with an average life of 20+ years. That being said, the lifespan of your wood depends on a lot of factors. The climate and amount of precipitation in your area can shorten or extend a product’s lifespan. It is not unheard of for mahogany to last longer than 30 years.

Can you still buy mahogany?

This wood is from Central or South America and may be named Mahogany, Honduras Mahogany, South American Mahogany, American Mahogany or Genuine Mahogany. South American Mahogany will continue to be available but supplies will be limited and prices will be much more than they were just a few years ago.

What is the most expensive type of wood in the world?

African Blackwood
African Blackwood is one of the hardest and densest wood in the world and is mostly used for musical instruments. It is considered as the most expensive wood in the world because not only it is challenging to work with hand or machine tools, its trees are already near-threatened.

Is mahogany better than teak?

In terms of hardness, mahogany is comparatively less hard and durable than teak. Teak is considered one of the most durable woods out there. Mahogany, while less durable, is still a highly durable wood that is used in making a lot of furniture articles, doors, cabinets, writing pens and even musical instruments.

Are mahogany trees messy?

In aspects of leaf fall, this tropical tree sheds leaves like a temperate tree. Leaves fall in the spring to- wards the end of the dry season. Some people consider the Mahogany tree very messy and would not include it for use in any landscape.

How can you tell if mahogany is real?

Real mahogany when properly finished has a fine-grained, silky appearance with a rich color that appears to come from below the surface of the wood. The way mahogany catches the light is different from other wood as well. Striped or ribbon looking interlocking grain on quarter pieces.

Which is more expensive cherry or mahogany?

Cherry and mahogany both have a reddish tint, and to the untrained eye, they appear similar. Differences between cherry and mahogany include cost — cherry is less expensive — and origination, since cherry is a domestic hardwood and mahogany is imported.