‘What is Urban Lumber?’ you may ask… Think of all the unique and interesting trees people grow here in the Valley. Then think about all the downed trees you see during monsoon season, when someone has to remove a tree because of where it’s growing.  Where do these trees go?  To the dump?  To the mulch or compost farm?  Why not to a local saw mill where they can be turned into lumber?  On my quest for new and different wood for a project, I found three sources of just that, lumber made from trees that grew in the city.  Imagine all the exotic hardwoods you could ever want grown right near home, no more cutting down the rainforest or national park near you, and the hardwoods are amazing.  I found Maple (from Oregon), Arizona Ash, Elm, Cottonwood, Black Acacia, and four types of Mesquite so different in color that it’s hard to believe they were the same type of tree. Talk about sustainable Local, Handmade, furniture built from renewable and beautiful wood.