This can limit the size of the possible timbers that can be harvested but removes the need for replanting and it has been shown it can also have reduced environmental impacts from both an ecological and emissions perspectives.Īlthough trees contain sequestered carbon within their stem and crown, a considerable amount of carbon is also stored within the root system and in the soil surrounding the roots. The techniques all differ slightly but essentially involve harvesting timber from a tree without disturbing the roots of the tree or the soil. 8 Related articles on Designing BuildingsĬoppicing, pollarding and shredding all tend to result in shorter harvest cycles than many other standard forestry products. A method of continual cutting, using the trimmings to stuff the holes in the hedge, will yield an inpenetrable mass to any creature of good sense. Some plums, pear, and of course hawthorn and locusts can do a number on your skin, or worse, eyeball. The thorny species I did not include because, although they are often incouraged, they can be a pain, literally. Note– any tree or shrub species that resprouts can be used. If this species is used for firewood, coppicing and pollarding are the methods to use, as it is nearly impossible to split large billets due to stringy and sometimes twisted grain. Small diameter wood, but can be used for fuel. White oaks are used in barrel making as the wood is closed pored. Also for that reason, it is used in tanning. Has some rot resistance due to high tannin levels. High on the list for firewood, high in btu’s. All species sprouts nicely, especially on stumps under a foot diameter. Plum is much the same, but the stems need to be harvested more carefully as the spurs can be sharp. Like the pear and apple, all cherries have a delightful odor when burned. All are good firewood, about medium in btu rating among the hardwoods. Regarding the former, Black cherry, chokecherry and pin cherry all resprout readily, even from older plants. The dense wood turns beautifully and so isprized by woodworkers. Both are excellent firewoods, and sought after for smoking fish and meats. Prized for basketry, and good for building.Īpple and pear. the green ash resprouts the most readily. Good firewood/charcoal, basketry and building. When tree is small, 3-5 inches caliper, it will resprout well. Good for firewood/charcoal and small building projects and polesīeech. Btu of yellow birch is on par with maple, and it has wintergreen flavor. resprouts nicely unless beginning with a very old tree. Sugar maple has the highest btu rating for maplesĪlders- not only a good nitrogen fixer, but a good c/p species if you have wetter areas. This is particularly advantageous with thorny species. These methods can both be used to create border hedges as a bonus. Often, the choice has to do with aesthetics, but some factors, like keeping young shoots away from hare damage by choosing pollarding, can be practical. Do note, that a higher cut retains more carbohydrates for the plant to feed on. Any species that responds well to one method, generally responds well to both. Pollarding is simply the process of cutting it higher up. So, what’s the difference between the two methods? Coppicing, which is more often mentioned in literature, is the practice of cutting closer to the ground. I cut 14 cords of limbwood in one winter with loppers and a swedish bow saw, and I enjoyed it. It takes me approximately 4 seconds to cut through a 3 inch branch with a silky saw, 1 second to cut one inch segments with pruning shears…and I can do it all day long. It is also more peaceful and healthier for the worker. Both pollard and coppice management allows hand tools instead of unsustainable fuel based tools due to the small diameter wood. Fodder for livestock is another use in this system, but cutting is often done during the growing season, which can be more taxing on the plant. There is evidence that trees managed by these systems allowed longevity of many times their normal lifespan. By allowing a regrowth on tree species, instead of cutting to the soil line and harvesting at illogical times of year, a more sustainable source of wood was attained. In fact, in many areas of old Europe the native forest groves were decimated from excessive harvesting for fuel and construction. The method goes back a long time, being popular in, but preceding the early middle ages in Europe. The practice involves cutting the plant back, ideally in the dormant season, then allowing it some time (read years), to reestablish itself. Some species are better than others, but the procedure between them is pretty much the same. In most cases this really means a proper tree. These are age old methods for being able to continuously harvest a woody plant.
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