Scientists estimate that it will take 1,000 years before a western red cedar log in the long-term decomposition experiment will have completely decomposed. Compare that to the estimate of how long a pacific silver fir log will take -- only 57 years!  The difference in decomposition time between the two different species of trees is due to the structure of the wood, the chemistry of the wood, and the kinds of microbes that decompose the wood over time. Decomposition time of wood influences carbon storage and soil. Learn more through our publications and through our research programs page.