Softwood is wood produced by trees that bear cones (conifers), such as pinecones.

As the name suggests, the wood of softwoods is softer, on average, than that of hardwoods, but only on average - the wood of yews, for example, is much harder than many hardwoods, as is the wood of Longleaf pine, while Balsa wood (technically a hardwood) is extremely soft.

In general softwood is easy to work: it forms the bulk of wood used by man. Softwood has a huge range of uses: it is a prime material for structural building components, but is also found in furniture and other products such as millwork (mouldings, doors, windows). Softwood is also harvested for use in the production of paper, and for various types of pressboards.

Commercial softwood species suitable for growing in Jamaica include:

Caribbean Pine (Exotic), Southern Pine

Please select from the list below for more information on select species.