Sustainable Forestry From Seed to Timber
MTO's high-quality timber products begin long before a log reaches the sawmill. During Arbor Month 2026, we showcase the process from carefully selected seed to nursery-grown plants, managed plantations, harvesting and timber manufacturing. Each stage depends on specific knowledge, care and coordination to produce the high-quality timber products supplied to our customers.
Carefully Selected Seed
The process begins in open-pollinated seed orchards established with superior trees selected through MTO's tree-breeding programme.
Breeding trials help identify trees with desirable characteristics, including strong growth, good tree form, suitable wood properties and tolerance to pests and disease. Material from top-performing trees contributes to future seed orchards, where seed is harvested for the next generation of plants.
MTO’s research team collects scions, pollen and seeds from superior trees to support tree breeding and genetic improvement. Read more about the specialised tree-climbing training that supports this work.
Preparing Seed for the Nursery
Once pine cones have been harvested, they pass through a controlled extraction and cleaning process. The cones are dried in kilns or ovens and then tumbled to release the seed.
The seed wings are removed before a gravity separator helps separate viable seed from the remaining material. After final cleaning and inspection, the seed is labelled and stored until it is needed.
Depending on the species, a 1 kg packet can contain approximately 24,000 to 36,000 seeds.
Growing the Next Generation
MTO produces young plants in two ways. Some are grown from seed sourced from seed orchards, while others are produced from cuttings through vegetative propagation. In the nursery, seeds and cuttings are nurtured under expert supervision and suitable growing conditions before the young plants are supplied for replanting in plantation forests.
Establishing and Managing Plantations
MTO's plantations begin with carefully nurtured young plants grown from seed or cuttings. Once planted, they enter a long period of growth and plantation care, pine trees are nurtured for between 15 and 22 years.
During this time, trained forestry teams manage the trees and the conservation areas around them. Long-term plantation management supports the supply of timber while recognising the environmental responsibilities associated with forestry operations.
Pruning and Plantation Care
Pruning forms part of the ongoing work involved in managing plantations. It is one of several activities carried out during the growing cycle, alongside planting, weeding and other plantation management services. The work requires time, attention and teams who understand the conditions within each plantation.
Harvesting at Maturity
When plantation trees reach maturity, harvesting begins. Trees are carefully felled and processed in the field using specialised equipment. The resulting logs are then transported to the log yard, where they are sorted and graded before entering production.
The People Behind the Process
Every stage from seed to timber depends on skilled people working together across MTO's forestry operations. Nursery work, plantation management, harvesting and specialist training all require practical knowledge, teamwork and a strong focus on safety. The tree-climbing course completed by team members is one example of the training that supports forestry skills in practice.
We recognise and celebrate the knowledge and dedication of the teams who contribute to the work carried out in MTO's plantations.
From Logs to Timber Products
At the sawmill, harvested logs move into the manufacturing stage. The logs are sorted and graded before being cut into planks. The timber is then graded and bundled as finished products for customers. Careful processing at this stage helps maintain the required dimensions, finish and quality of the timber produced.
Sustainable Forestry at MTO
The journey from seed to timber brings forestry and manufacturing together. Seed selection, nursery care, plantation management and harvesting determine the material that reaches the sawmill, while manufacturing turns that material into useful timber products.
This connection between sustainable forestry and timber manufacturing lies at the heart of the products MTO supplies. It reflects a process that begins with the careful selection of seed and continues through every stage until finished timber is ready for our customers.
Learn more about the research and technical expertise supporting MTO’s approach to sustainable forestry.
