The Hardwood Economy: Kentucky's Hidden Giant
In this episode of Hort Culture, hosts Alexis, Brett, Jessica, and Ray welcome guest Chad Niman, Forest Product Specialist and Director at the Wood Utilization Center in Jackson, Kentucky.
With cooler weather on the horizon, the crew kicks things off by sharing their favorite fall plants and fungi—before diving deep into the fascinating world of Kentucky’s hardwoods. Chad walks listeners through the state’s $19 billion hardwood industry, its role in sustainable building, and how species like yellow poplar, maple, sycamore, and sweet gum can support innovative products like flooring and cross-laminated timber panels.
The conversation branches out to:
The environmental and health advantages of real wood versus plastic-based building materials
How wood residues like bark and sawdust could replace peat in horticultural media
The surprising uses of wood flour in everything from animal bedding to food additives
How traditional materials are being reimagined for modern construction and sustainability
Plus, the team reflects on old-growth forests, changing design trends, and why connecting with natural materials just feels right.
🌲 Key topics: hardwood industry, sustainable building, mass timber, fall plants, forest ecology, wood flooring, biophilia, peat alternatives, wood residues.
🎧 Guest: Chad Niman
Chad Niman, Primary Forest Products Specialist
Robinson Center Wood Utilization Center
Questions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.com
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