DECADE OF INTENSIVE CULTIVATION OF POPLARS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA SHOWS NEED FOR LONG-TERM RESEARCH TO REDUCE RISKS

Abstract

There is a large surplus of low value black cottonwood and other hardwoods in British Columbia. Greatly improved utilization and management are needed to make effective use of B.C. hardwoods.During the past decade, in their efforts to develop an economical supply of high quality veneer logs and pulpwood, West Tree Farms has encountered and solved many operational problems. Therefore, the experience described herein should be of interest to other Canadian foresters who may be faced before long with the need to intensify forest management.Much can be learned in a short period of time. For example, after only 11 years in the field, black cottonwoods and hybrid poplars planted in 1956 either as one-year-old rooted trees or rootless trees (sets) have reached a size considered commercial in many parts of Canada. They averaged 8 inches in dbh and 70 feet in height in October, 1966.Growth and yield of black cottonwood are excellent but it is difficult to grow in nurseries and inferior in form and natural pruning when compared with 'robusta' and similar hybrid poplars. Establishment of hybrid poplars requires either very expensive site preparation and many weedings and thinning or relatively economical strip clearing and planting of either large rooted trees or sets at wide spacings. The latter is preferable in B.C.Prospects for improvement of tree growth and wood quality are excellent but, like development of effective programs for preventing and controlling losses from disease, insects, and other pests, tree improvement requires much long-term research. Research and practice should be sustained and closely related. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Province of British Columbia will make more land available for tree farming, and that the Federal Government will support the kinds of research needed to improve the programs started by West Tree Farms and others interested in poplar cultivation.