![]() ![]() The first benefit is reduced establishment time, meaning that you won’t need to wait for a seed to germinate, establish itself, and develop a full root system. However, despite the many variables, coppice systems offer two clear benefits over trees grown from seed. The Growth Benefits of Coppicingīecause of this natural variation, it’s important to avoid broad generalizations regarding yield. Willows, for example, will almost always outpace oaks in terms of growth rate, while beech trees in a northern hardwood forest are notorious for out-competing maples and birches, creating thick, single-species stands. ![]() Almost without exception, some species will grow faster than others, even in a less suitable environment. Primary genetic attributes include vigor, disease resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, and species. Environmental factors include climatic conditions as well as soil quality. However, more often than not, too many factors are at play to make any sort of reasonable estimate because both environmental and genetic factors influence growth rates. If I know something about the site, I can make an educated guess. Tree Growth VariablesĪs a forester, I’m often asked how long it will take a tree to grow to a specific size. Even into the 16th century, the economic importance of wood obtained through coppicing was so significant in England that King Henry VIII mandated the construction of fences around coppice forests throughout the country to protect them from browsing animals. Coppicing is a reproduction method wherein a tree is cut back periodically to stimulate new growth through dormant buds on the living stump, or “stool.” In turn, these buds develop into sprouts, also called “shoots,” capable of growing firewood in approximately half the time it would take to grow the same amount of wood from seed.Ĭoppicing as a management technique dates back to the Neolithic period, when people used coppice wood for a variety of purposes, ranging from beanpoles and lath to firewood and fence posts. Of all the forestry techniques available to woodland owners, few methods are as underutilized as coppicing. ![]()
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