Named after the city of Sitka in southern Alaska, the Sitka Spruce is one of tallest species of trees, right up there with Redwoods and Giant Sequoias. And it’s a hardy ol’ conifer, too. Even in poor soils and exposed ground, young trees of this species can grow up to 1.5 metres a year. By the time they’re fully grown, the Sitka Spruce can exceed heights of 90 metres, which is roughly the same size as the <link="https://shorturl.at/lOZ14" color="blue"> Conoco-Phillips Building</link>, Alaska’s tallest building.

Musical instruments, boats, pallets and packaging, fencing and paper - these are just a few of the uses for the timber of the Sitka Spruce, which explains why this species accounts for around 50% of commercial planting in the UK.