One of nature’s marvels, the cork oak tree, flourishes in the Mediterranean region, home to most of the world’s cork trees. These remarkable trees provide significant benefits to their native land. But can cork oaks thrive beyond the Mediterranean, and what impact do they have on their non-native landscape?
Read moreMultiuse Agriculture in the Cork Forest
Unlike many North American and northern European forests, cork forests are characterized by widely spaced trees, which often leave plains-like grassy areas between them. This makes these forests ideal for other agricultural uses while also allowing for the growth of other indigenous vegetation. These additional agricultural uses can be seen when you take a winding road trip through southern Portugal's Montados.
Read moreWhat You Should Know About Cork Flooring
Are you looking to winter-proof your home this fall? Cork flooring might be an excellent option, especially if you want to insulate a ground floor or an area above an unheated garage. However, before you commit to buying and installing cork flooring, there are some things you should consider. Here is our list of the benefits of cork flooring and a few things you should know before you buy.
Read moreCork Trees: CO2 Sequestration & O2 Production
We know the cork oak tree is amazing for many reasons, the most popular probably being its ability to grow back its bark after each harvest. What may not be known is the crucial role the cork oaks play in both CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration and oxygen production. Cork trees, like all trees, absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their roots and branches while releasing oxygen back into the environment. So, what makes this tree different from other trees?
Read moreHow Cork Trees Slow and Limit Wildfires
Globally, wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive due to climate change, reduced old-growth forests, and new construction developments encroaching on forests. The climate has become hotter and dryer in the Mediterranean over the last half-century, making the land more susceptible to large and difficult-to-control fires. Increased fire danger is exacerbated by the increased quantity of fast-growing so-called "cash crops" like eucalyptus, which burn much more easily than native plants such as the cork oak tree.
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