Planted forests: poplars

Abstract

Poplars (Populus spp.) have been planted in Europe and Asia since very early times. Known in the Near East as the “blessed tree”, poplars have been the primary timber producer in regions lacking natural forests in the northern hemisphere. Now, though, we are seeing poplar plantations becoming part of the forest resources even in the abundantly forested Pacific Northwest. Though still a minor contributor to the world’s timber supply, the area of land planted to poplars is, nevertheless, increasing rapidly, particularly in China, South Korea, and the United States. The 1992 report from the International Poplar Commission listed nineteen countries with at least 10,000 ha of planted poplars and seven with more than 100,000 ha. Much of the success of poplar plantations results from the breeding of fast-growing and disease-resistant poplar hybrids. Accordingly, at least eleven countries support poplar breeding programs. Uses of poplar wood range from peeled poles for rafters and other elements of construction in agrarian economies to the manufacture of paper, plywood, oriented strand board, and engineered lumber in industrial nations. Interest has also developed in poplar plantations as a renewable source of energy.