Maybe the UK should plant more....

[Khriss]

Just like those Poplar hybrids, unbelieveable after 17yrs , dunno how you would keep up with them in a big planting program. K

[Stere]

Won't the euc coppice also?

 

What age is harvest planned at?

[Big J]

10 minutes ago, Khriss said:

Just like those Poplar hybrids, unbelieveable after 17yrs , dunno how you would keep up with them in a big planting program. K

 

The plan for that block is agroforestry. I've proposed putting pigs in initially (it's fully fenced already) to clear the brambles ahead of thinning. A 20% thin this year, followed by 20% every two years until such time that the decision is taken to clearfell. The trees are likely to make 40m within 6-7 years, which is a consideration. 50m inside 15 years isn't impossible. The stand is markedly shorter on the western fringe (probably 5m shorter than on the east), but because it's a fairly big block, there is potential for the protected ones to get rather large.

 

8 minutes ago, Stere said:

Won't the euc coppice also?

 

What age is harvest planned at?

 

Nitens doesn't coppice well, and won't do it at all after 7 years of age. 

 

Not sure what the plan was when it was planted. I think the issue is that they'll very quickly get impractically large. I'd be looking to coup fell and replant within 5 years I think. Start with the eastern edge, where it's largest, fell a hectare and replant. Repeat every year until you're all the way through the stand at year 5. That way you're always taking advantage of the microclimate afforded by the remaining trees. Well at least until the final year when you do the western edge, but then they don't grow so fast there anyway so it doesn't really matter.

Edited December 20, 2020 by Big J

[Will C]

@Big J  all for biomass or do they have another market?
That’s some impressive growth

[Big J]

26 minutes ago, Will C said:

@Big J  all for biomass or do they have another market?
That’s some impressive growth

I'm looking to try to bring it to the firewood market. It's dense, poker straight and if processed green, rapidly turned into saleable logs. The crazy thing is that there are some sticks that are too large for most processors. 

 

You up for a bit of eucalyptus #arboriculturist ?? 

[Squaredy]

Crazy growth indeed!

 

So once the harvesting starts how many tons will that be per acre (or hectare if you youngsters prefer)?

[Big J]

2 minutes ago, Squaredy said:

Crazy growth indeed!

 

So once the harvesting starts how many tons will that be per acre (or hectare if you youngsters prefer)?

It's at just about 500t/hectare at the moment. Taking 20% out every 2 years will keep it at that standing volume.

[Stere]

Found euc very high moisture % and slow to season.

[Big J]

21 minutes ago, Stere said:

Found euc very high moisture % and slow to season.

 

Moisture content is higher in the sapwood. After year 7, heartwood is established and dry density is similar to oak. 

 

Drying times vary by species, but nitens should dry fairly quickly. It's not that easy to split once dried, so best processed green.

[Rough Hewn]

What’s wrong with planting native species?
It’s not all about the money!!!!!!!!
What about, what’s good for nature???
Get sick to the back teeth of new miracle fast growing hybrids planted in sterile monoculture.
It’s the short sighted money grabbing mentality which has been the downfall of British forestry, eco diversity and British manufacturing.
🤷🏽‍♂️