Eucalypts occur over the length and breadth of Tasmania from high mountain tops to the sea. The majority of species grow to form forest trees and can be milled and used for construction. A more select group grow to very large sizes and can be sawn and seasoned to provide high grade dry lumber.

The prime eucalypt timber offered commercially is known as Tasmanian Oak. In the past it has almost always been quarter sawn as this configuration dried well but research and improvements in kiln technology mean that it is now available backsawn. Three main species comprise the Tasmanian Oak brand, Eucalyptus regnans, E.obliqua, and E.delegatensis. E.delegatensis occurs at higher altitudes and E.regnans is found in wetter sites and rainforest margins. E.obliqua has a wide distribution occurring in wet forests but also extending into drier areas.

Eucalypts are light demanding and grow best where they are not overshadowed. Regeneration occurs after fire and seedlings establish best on bare mineral soil in the absence of leaf litter, as they are prone to attck by damping off fungi. In Tasmania eucalypts may live for 400 years or more and regularly attain a height of 70m; some individuals have been recorded as reaching 100m. Old growth trees may be 3-4m or more in diameter.

Over 1M hectares of eucalypt forest on public land are managed for sustainable multiple uses that include tourism, recreation, timber production, and conservation. There are also 2.7M hectares of land secured in dedicated reserves in which logging is not permitted. These reserves comprise 40% of the area of the state. A substantial area of forested land is owned privately and managed for its timber production. Approximately 500,000m³ of logs are sawn each year.

Tasmanian Oak can be used in all forms of construction as scantlings, panelling, and flooring, and can be glued for lamination to cover long spans. It finishes well and can be moulded and shaped for furniture making. Veneers, ply, and engineered product are available. Eucalypt fibre is sought after for reconstituted board and as a short fibre furnish for high quality printing and writing paper manufacture.