The Perfection of Imperfect Mesquite

Across the world there are over 40 species of mesquite.  Within Arizona one can find 3 species, not to mention, mesquite hybrids (Chilean).  At Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill, we specialize in one particular species known as velvet mesquite. Velvet mesquite gets its name from the velvety feel of the leaves on the mesquite tree, created by tiny hairs on the leaves.

The velvet mesquite is the slowest growing and has the longest life span of all mesquite trees.  Looking at a mesquite tree you’ll see that there are twists and turns in the trunk and branches.  When a log is milled, immediately the imperfections in the wood become evident.  There are many wood connoisseurs who prefer defect free wood to keep from detracting from the beauty of their finished work.  Then, there are mesquite lovers who appreciate the defects and imperfections, realizing and appreciating the natural and organic beauty of this desert treasure.

There are various natural factors that contribute to the imperfections and defects commonly found in mesquite.  These factors include: Extreme and harsh conditions of the desert;  Bark pockets that form when the bark enters the heartwood of the lumber; Burls which are growth deformities resulting in spectacular grain patterns; Knots; Cracks or checking; Fungal damage/dry rot resulting in cell walls turn into dry powder; and insect defects or worm holes, to name a few.

At Tumacacori Mesquite, we like to call the defects or imperfections “opportunities”.  These are opportunities to showcase very unique and organic patterns, and opportunities to fill the imperfections with various inlays to add artistic beauty to the wood.

Finally, a beautiful story begins to unfold as the unassuming mesquite tree is cut down, milled, debarked, sanded and oiled by human hands. The scars and imperfections are the deep inner characteristics of mesquite, which make each piece unique and beautiful.  The mesquite tree represents the harshness of the desert and the perseverance to survive.  Beneath the ruggedness, we find the true beauty of its life and journey.  Much like our own personal journeys filled with struggles, survival and hardships, we come to know our inner beauty by revealing our own scars and imperfections.

The Making of a Door

When the Sawmill was recently contacted by a group of people wanting to save their church, we were inspired by their commitment to their community and this place that brought people together from all across the world!  The town is in Arivaca, Arizona.  The church is St. Ferdinand's. 

After finding that the original entrance was far from code, the people of St. Ferdinand's wasted no time researching and getting to work.  The photos below show a few images of the beautifully handcrafted work that went into this special project for a special group of people.  We hope you enjoy! 

The Amazing Mesquite Tree

There are over 40 species of mesquite world wide.  Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill specializes in one: Velvet Mesquite (veluntina prosopsis).  The Velvet Mesquite is indigenous to the Sonoran Desert and has a life span of up to 200 years.  Of all the mesquite species, it is the slowest growing.  The slow growth and harsh desert conditions contributes to the flaws and defects in this exotic wood; creating a rich organic look with a touch of elegance. 

Botanists who have visited The Sawmill have informed us that the tree rings of our desert mesquite tree is so dense that the rings are not used to determine the age of a tree.  In fact, during our monsoon seasons, a mesquite tree could develop a ring! 

Each mesquite tree we harvest is carefully evaluated prior to felling to maximize the greatest use of the entire tree.  Trunks are milled to yield lumber or mesquite mantles.  Extending limbs are cut for use in ramadas, fencing, tri-pod table bases or lamps.  Smaller mesquite pieces are used to create smaller mesquite crafts, to include our popular mesquite cutting boards, serving boards and mesquite crosses. 

After a log is milled, special effort is taken when milling to keep flitches in the right order to allow woodworkers to take advantage of book matching opportunities.  (Book matching: Boards cut from the same log provide a grain pattern that form a mirror image of each other when placed side by side.)

Unlike pine, mesquite trees are gnarly, producing wood that contains many cracks, voids and waney bark edges with streaks of sapwood, and fantastic tight grain.   Mesquite lumber is generally irregular and imperfect; we consider this a great opportunity for the mesquite to show its unique beauty!

A Sawmill in the Arizona Desert?

Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill has taken broad efforts to legally harvest and acquire mesquite biomass (material from mesquite trees to include limbs, stumps, roots, etc., which are by-products of land management or ecosystem restoration projects) and bring these unique mesquite treasures to our valued customers.

Tumacacori Mesquite, owned and operated by Art & Valerie, has produced mesquite lumber and craft products at this site for over 30 years.

"The Sawmill" commercially mills mesquite from logs to produce an ever changing inventory of mesquite lumber and to produce one of a kind fine mesquite interiors. The "scraps" or remnants, as we like to call them, are used to create a range of smaller craft items including our most popular items: cutting boards and crosses. Even the sawdust is utilized by a local organic farm!

Our base of operation is located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona, in the historic community of Tumacacori, located 20 miles north of the Mexican border in the heart of the mesquite bosque (forest) region of the Sonoran Desert. Over the years, The Sawmill has become a destination for many visitors who enjoy seeing the transformation from mesquite logs to stunning one-of-a-kind heirlooms and learning about this true desert treasure.