Growing wood for fuel

[nogard]

I have recently purchased a Farm, in Portugal. I have seven acres of mature woodland; Pine, Mimosa and Eucalyptus. I intend to cut this lot out; for fire wood and replant a mixed coppice with a top cover.

Pre. Ash die back, I would have planted; Ash, Alder and Chestnut allowing 20% of the Ash to form Standards for the top cover.

Question; which species should I now plant in place of the Ash; bearing in mind the I require fire wood and a top cover.

I also intend to plant up more of my land with this mix so as to have all the fuel I will require in future.

Many thanks.

[ballibeg]

Look around the area at what others have done. Local knowledge is everything. Any rules on felling? Licence needed?

[spandit]

Robinia?

[nogard]

Look around the area at what others have done. Local knowledge is everything. Any rules on felling? Licence needed?

 

The only tree one cannot cut down; is the Cork Oak, prison should one do so; and are caught!

Rules! For the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools!! No.

[Chapim Azul]

It's also forbidden to cut quercus Ilex (holm oak)... You should ask a permission if you want to cut or prune them. If you cut without the permission you are also forbidden from building on your land for... 25 years (I think it's 25). I advise you to ask permission if you want to build a house or barn on the spot where there are cork or holm oaks... authorities usually accept this as a valid reason (but better ask your architect first)

[Chapim Azul]

The fire wood used depends on the location. While in the south, firewood from pruned cork, holm, olive trees are more used. In the north it's more pine, Eucalyptus, olive oil trees. But you probably want a tree that grows fast, right?

 

"mixed coppice with a top cover".

I don't understand what do you mean with a "Top Cover". Do you want to make a shadow on your 7 acres?

[Marko]

It will very much be determined by which species thrives on the land. No point in having something limping along just to have it in the mix. Plant a wide mix of coppice-able species and take stock. It will vary throughout the plot with different soil types and moisture levels.

[spandit]

Won't the eucalyptus coppice anyway?

 

Where I've planted some of my trees is now densely covered in birch, oak and willow that have established themselves. Hopefully some of my other species will succeed in the mix but comforting to know that if I'd done nothing the forest would grow all by itself