Groan. In 1918, most lumber in North America came from old-growth forests (adiós, California redwoods!). These trees grew slowly over centuries in dense, competitive conditions, resulting in very tight growth rings and naturally dense, strong wood. These forests largely don’t exist anymore. Today’s lumber is almost always plantation-grown softwood (often Southern Yellow Pine or fast-growing Spruce, Pine, Fir species). These trees are grown for speed and volume, not density, specifically to avoid cutting down older growth forests.