WholeTrees® Structures and Propagate Announce Partnership to Scale High-Quality Black Locust Timber for Whole-Timber Construction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. March 4, 2026 – Madison, WI & New York, NY — WholeTrees® Structures, a national leader in sustainable whole-timber construction, and Propagate, a pioneering agroforestry development and supply-chain company, today announced a strategic partnership to bring scalable, high-quality black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) into the mainstream mass-timber market.
Under the partnership, Propagate will develop and source regionally available black locust for the Northeast U.S.—leveraging its network of growers, nurseries, and agroforestry projects—while WholeTrees will integrate black locust materials into architectural, structural, and commercial building systems built around whole-timber, small-diameter, and naturally-strong roundwood components. Together they will work to help educate the building industry about the story and benefits of black locust.
“WholeTrees has a long history of utilizing Black locust in our Solid Structural Timber Products,” said Amelia Baxter, Co-Founder & CEO of WholeTrees Structures. “Its natural durability, strength, and carbon-sequestration profile make it ideal for circular and regenerative construction. Partnering with Propagate allows us to showcase the benefits and help us find high quality sources of Black Locust for our Northeast production facility.”
Wingra School Outdoor Classroom - Black Locust - Madison, WI
“Demand for climate-smart construction materials is rising fast, but supply chains for durable hardwoods like black locust have lagged behind,” said Jeremy Kaufman, COO of Propagate. “WholeTrees has proven what’s possible with whole-timber construction. This partnership connects black locust directly to the built environment at a scale that benefits landowners, architects, and the climate.”
Black locust’s rapid growth, superior natural rot resistance (comparable to tropical hardwoods), and strength-to-weight profile make it a standout material for exterior and structural applications, including decking, posts, beams, glulam alternatives, and next-generation whole-timber assemblies. The partnership aims to position black locust as a cornerstone species for climate-smart building material markets and to accelerate adoption through predictable supply and engineered sorting.
About WholeTrees® Structures
WholeTrees Structures is a leader in whole-timber construction, providing structural round timber products that combine natural form, engineering rigor, and sustainable forest management. The company works with commercial developers, architects, and builders to integrate roundwood into high-performance, climate-positive building systems. Learn more at wholetrees.com.
Black Walnut, Black Locust, and Oak Silvopasture - Watkins Glen, NY
About Propagate
Propagate is a leading agroforestry development company working across the eastern United States to design, finance, and scale perennial farm systems. Through its network of growers, nurseries, and agroforestry supply-chain programs, Propagate helps landowners build long-term, climate-resilient value from tree crops such as chestnut, black locust, and hybrid hardwoods. Learn more at propagate.ag.
Press Contact
Jeremy Kaufman
COO
jeremy@propagateag.com
908-448-1863
