European aspen (Populus tremula L.): a review with particular reference to Scotland II. Values, silviculture and utilization

Abstract

Interest in European aspen ( Populus tremula L.) has increased in recent years as a result of efforts to restore and extend native woodland, and to diversify the range of species used in forestry plantations. Aspen is a straightforward tree to manage; it is of considerable ecological value and capable of producing utilizable timber. Planting of aspen in native woodland is currently limited by a shortage of plants of Scottish origin. Propagation from seed, whilst possible, has not been practised, and recent efforts to produce stock have concentrated on vegetative means. The use of aspen as a component of plantation forestry could be increased on appropriate sites; it is an excellent amenity species and its timber is currently acceptable as chipwood and could complement the production of poplar timber in the lowlands. However, on the basis of limited data, growth rates and stem form of aspen in Scotland appear to be rather poorer than on the European continent where aspen is a significant timber producing species. More would also need to be known about its susceptibility to disease before its timber production potential could be evaluated properly.