PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Trees toppled by a destructive microburst in Tempe two weeks ago are being repurposed into furniture at a Phoenix sawmill instead of heading to the landfill.

Wine Glass Bar Sawmill in Phoenix has received 300 trunks of mesquite and acacia trees weighing around 50 tons that were damaged in the storm. The trees were hauled to the sawmill after being cut off cars and removed from properties.

The sustainable sawmill will transform the lumber into furniture including countertops, tables and chairs. Hemphill said desert hardwoods are especially beautiful and perfect for creating special pieces.

“Desert hardwoods are especially beautiful,” said William Hemphill, manager of the sawmill. “It’s hard to visualize for some people, but the wood inside of these trees is going

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