Fast Growing Trees For Firewood (Top 5 Coppicing Species Revealed)

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Fast-Growing Trees for Firewood: Top 5 Coppicing Species Revealed

The allure of a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night is undeniable. But the responsibility of sustainably sourcing that fuel is equally important. As someone who’s spent years felling, splitting, and stacking wood, I’ve learned that the key to responsible firewood use lies in understanding the trees themselves. This guide focuses on fast-growing, coppicing species—trees that can be cut back to the stump and will regrow, providing a renewable source of firewood. We’ll explore the top 5 species for this purpose and delve into the practicalities of growing, harvesting, and processing them for your wood-burning needs. Durability is the name of the game, both in the wood you burn and the sustainability of your woodlot.

Understanding the Basics: Coppicing and Firewood

Before we dive into the specific tree species, let’s clarify some key concepts.

Coppicing: This is a traditional woodland management technique where trees are cut down to near ground level. The remaining stump (the “stool”) then sends up new shoots, which can be harvested again after a period of growth. This allows for a sustainable cycle of wood production without the need for replanting. Think of it as the tree’s natural ability to “resprout” after being cut.
Firewood: Wood that is cut and prepared for burning in stoves, fireplaces, or outdoor fires. The quality of firewood depends on its density, moisture content, and ease of splitting.
Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut and has a high moisture content (often above 50%). Seasoned wood has been dried to a lower moisture content (ideally below 20%), making it burn more efficiently and cleanly. Burning green wood is inefficient; much of the energy goes into boiling off the water instead of producing heat. It also creates more smoke and creosote, which can be dangerous in chimneys.
British Thermal Unit (BTU): A measure of the heat content of fuel. Different types of wood have different BTU ratings per cord (a standard unit of firewood volume). Denser hardwoods generally have higher BTU ratings than softwoods.

Why Choose Coppicing Species for Firewood?

From my experience, coppicing offers several key advantages for firewood production:

Sustainability: It allows for a continuous supply of wood from the same trees, reducing the need to fell mature trees.
Fast Growth: Coppicing species typically grow much faster than trees grown from seed, leading to quicker harvests.
Ease of Management: Coppice woodlands are relatively easy to manage, requiring minimal maintenance after the initial planting and cutting.
Environmental Benefits: Coppicing can improve biodiversity by creating diverse habitats and promoting the growth of understory plants.

Top 5 Fast-Growing Coppicing Species for Firewood

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the top 5 fast-growing coppicing species for firewood. I’ve chosen these based on my experience, ease of cultivation, growth rate, and suitability for firewood.

1. Willow (Salix spp.)

Why Willow? Willow is perhaps the fastest-growing tree on this list, making it ideal for short-rotation coppicing. It’s also incredibly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of soil conditions, including wet or poorly drained areas.
Growth Rate: Under ideal conditions, willow can grow 6-10 feet per year.
Coppicing Cycle: Willow can be coppiced every 2-5 years.
Firewood Quality: Willow is a softwood, so it doesn’t have the highest BTU rating. However, it’s easy to split and dries quickly. It’s best used as a quick-burning fuel for kindling or shoulder-season fires.
My Experience: I once established a small willow coppice on a piece of land that was too wet for other trees. Within three years, I was harvesting enough wood to supplement my firewood supply. The key was to plant the willow cuttings in well-prepared soil and keep them well-watered during the first year.
Considerations: Willow is prone to certain diseases, so choose disease-resistant varieties. Also, be aware that willow can be invasive in some areas.
Tool Spec: For harvesting willow, I recommend a lightweight chainsaw with a 14-inch bar (e.g., Stihl MS 170 or Husqvarna 120i).

2. Poplar (Populus spp.)

Why Poplar? Similar to willow, poplar is a fast-growing softwood that is well-suited for coppicing. It’s also relatively easy to propagate from cuttings.
Growth Rate: Poplar can grow 4-8 feet per year.
Coppicing Cycle: Poplar can be coppiced every 5-10 years.
Firewood Quality: Poplar has a low BTU rating and burns quickly. It’s best used for kindling or mixing with other hardwoods.
My Experience: I’ve used poplar as a “nurse crop” in my woodlot. I plant poplar alongside slower-growing hardwoods to provide shade and shelter while the hardwoods establish themselves. Then, I coppice the poplar for firewood.
Considerations: Poplar can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Choose disease-resistant varieties and monitor your trees regularly.
Tool Spec: A splitting axe like the Fiskars X27 is ideal for splitting poplar. Its lightweight design and sharp blade make it easy to handle.

3. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

Why Eucalyptus? Eucalyptus is a very fast-growing hardwood that is native to Australia but is now grown in many parts of the world. It’s known for its high oil content, which makes it burn hot and clean.
Growth Rate: Eucalyptus can grow 6-12 feet per year.
Coppicing Cycle: Eucalyptus can be coppiced every 5-10 years.
Firewood Quality: Eucalyptus has a high BTU rating and burns for a long time. It’s a great choice for heating homes.
My Experience: I’ve seen eucalyptus plantations in California that produce impressive amounts of firewood. However, it’s important to choose the right species for your climate and soil conditions.
Considerations: Eucalyptus is not cold-hardy and may not be suitable for colder climates. It can also be invasive in some areas. The oil in eucalyptus can be flammable, so store it away from anything flammable.
Tool Spec: For felling larger eucalyptus trees, I recommend a powerful chainsaw with a 20-inch bar (e.g., Stihl MS 271 or Husqvarna 455 Rancher).

4. Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)

Why Sweet Chestnut? Sweet chestnut is a fast-growing hardwood that is well-suited for coppicing. It produces strong, durable wood that is resistant to rot.
Growth Rate: Sweet chestnut can grow 3-6 feet per year.
Coppicing Cycle: Sweet chestnut can be coppiced every 10-20 years.
Firewood Quality: Sweet chestnut has a good BTU rating and burns well. It’s also relatively easy to split.
My Experience: I’ve seen sweet chestnut coppice woodlands in England that have been managed for centuries. The wood is used for a variety of purposes, including firewood, fencing, and furniture making.
Considerations: Sweet chestnut is susceptible to chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has devastated chestnut populations in North America. Choose blight-resistant varieties if you live in an area where chestnut blight is present.
Tool Spec: A hydraulic log splitter (e.g., Champion Power Equipment 25-Ton Log Splitter) can be a lifesaver when splitting larger sweet chestnut logs.

5. Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Why Hazel? Hazel is a small, multi-stemmed tree that is ideal for coppicing on a small scale. It’s also a valuable source of nuts.
Growth Rate: Hazel can grow 2-4 feet per year.
Coppicing Cycle: Hazel can be coppiced every 5-10 years.
Firewood Quality: Hazel has a moderate BTU rating and burns well. It’s also easy to split.
My Experience: I grow hazel in my garden for both nuts and firewood. It’s a low-maintenance tree that provides a steady supply of both.
Considerations: Hazel is susceptible to hazelnut blight, a fungal disease that can kill trees. Choose blight-resistant varieties if you live in an area where hazelnut blight is present. Squirrels love hazelnuts.
Tool Spec: For pruning and harvesting hazel, I recommend a good pair of loppers (e.g., Felco 210A-60 Loppers).

Establishing Your Coppice Woodland: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the best species for coppicing, let’s look at how to establish your own coppice woodland. This guide assumes you have a suitable piece of land and are starting from scratch.

Step 1: Site Preparation

Clear the area: Remove any existing vegetation, rocks, and debris.
Improve drainage: If the soil is poorly drained, consider installing drainage ditches or raised beds.
Amend the soil: Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility.
Control weeds: Use herbicides or manual weeding to control weeds before planting.

Step 2: Planting

Choose the right time to plant: The best time to plant is in the late fall or early spring when the trees are dormant.
Select healthy planting stock: Choose bare-root seedlings or cuttings from reputable nurseries.
Plant the trees at the correct spacing: The spacing will depend on the species and your desired rotation length. A general guideline is to space trees 6-10 feet apart.
Water the trees thoroughly after planting.

Step 3: Early Management

Weed control: Keep the area around the trees free of weeds for the first few years.
Watering: Water the trees regularly during dry periods, especially in the first year.
Protection from pests and diseases: Monitor the trees regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action.
Protect from wildlife: Install tree guards to protect the young trees from deer, rabbits, and other animals.

Step 4: Coppicing

Choose the right time to coppice: The best time to coppice is in the late fall or early winter when the trees are dormant.
Cut the trees close to the ground: Use a chainsaw or axe to cut the trees as close to the ground as possible, ideally at a 45-degree angle to promote water runoff.
Remove the cut wood: Stack the wood for drying or use it for other purposes.
Allow the stools to regrow: The stools will send up new shoots in the spring.
Thin the shoots: After a few years, thin the shoots to promote the growth of the strongest stems.

Processing Your Firewood: From Tree to Hearth

Once you’ve harvested your coppiced wood, it’s time to process it into firewood. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Felling (If Necessary)

Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, and gloves.
Plan Your Escape Route: Before you start cutting, plan your escape route in case the tree falls in an unexpected direction.
Make the Notch Cut: Cut a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
Make the Back Cut: Cut from the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
Wedge the Tree (If Necessary): If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction, use a wedge to help push it over.
Let the Tree Fall: Once the back cut is complete, the tree should fall in the direction of the notch.
De-limb the tree: Remove the branches from the felled tree using a chainsaw or axe.

Step 2: Bucking (Cutting to Length)

Measure and Mark: Measure the desired length of your firewood (typically 16-20 inches) and mark the log accordingly.
Cut the Log: Use a chainsaw to cut the log into the marked lengths.
Support the Log: Use a sawbuck or other support to keep the log from pinching the saw blade.

Step 3: Splitting

Safety First: Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves.
Choose Your Method: You can split wood with an axe, a splitting maul, or a hydraulic log splitter.
Axe Splitting: Place the log on a chopping block and swing the axe down onto the center of the log.
Splitting Maul: A splitting maul is heavier than an axe and is designed to split larger logs.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter uses hydraulic pressure to split logs. It’s the most efficient method for splitting large quantities of wood.
Split the Logs: Split the logs into manageable sizes for burning.

Step 4: Stacking and Drying

Stack the Wood: Stack the split firewood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location.
Allow Air Circulation: Leave gaps between the rows of wood to allow for air circulation.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the woodpile with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow.
Season the Wood: Allow the wood to season for at least 6-12 months, or until the moisture content is below 20%.
Check Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood before burning it.

Tools of the Trade: Essential Equipment for Coppicing and Firewood Processing

Having the right tools can make all the difference in efficiency and safety. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment you’ll need:

Chainsaw: A chainsaw is essential for felling trees, de-limbing, and bucking logs. I recommend a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss for its power and reliability. Consider bar length (16″-20″) based on typical tree size.
Axe/Splitting Maul: An axe is useful for splitting smaller logs, while a splitting maul is better for larger logs. The Fiskars X27 is a great all-around splitting axe.
Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re splitting large quantities of wood. The Champion Power Equipment 25-Ton Log Splitter is a good option for home use.
Sawbuck: A sawbuck is a simple but essential tool for holding logs while you cut them.
Moisture Meter: A moisture meter is used to check the moisture content of firewood. The General Tools MMD4E is a reliable and affordable option.
Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.

Case Study: Maximizing Firewood Yield from a Small Willow Coppice

I once helped a friend establish a small willow coppice on a half-acre plot. The soil was poorly drained, making it unsuitable for many other trees. We planted willow cuttings in the spring, spacing them about 6 feet apart.

For the first year, we focused on weed control and watering. We used a combination of manual weeding and herbicide application to keep the area around the trees free of weeds. We also watered the trees regularly during dry periods.

After three years, the willow trees had grown to a height of about 15 feet. We coppiced the trees in the late fall, cutting them close to the ground with a chainsaw. We stacked the wood in a sunny and windy location to dry.

We were surprised by the amount of firewood we harvested from such a small plot. We estimated that we harvested about 3 cords of wood. This was enough to heat my friend’s home for several weeks.

The key to our success was proper site preparation, weed control, and watering. We also chose a disease-resistant variety of willow.

Strategic Insights for Sustainable Firewood Production

Beyond the practical steps, consider these strategic insights for long-term success:

Diversify Your Species: Don’t rely on just one species for firewood. Plant a mix of species to increase biodiversity and reduce the risk of pest or disease outbreaks.
Manage Your Woodland for Wildlife: Coppice woodlands can provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Consider leaving some areas uncut to provide cover for animals.
Integrate Agroforestry Practices: Combine coppicing with other agricultural practices, such as growing crops or raising livestock.
Consider Biochar Production: Instead of burning all of your wood, consider converting some of it into biochar, a charcoal-like substance that can be used to improve soil fertility.

Costs, Timings, and Skill Levels

Here’s a realistic look at the resources involved:

Costs: Initial costs include seedlings/cuttings (ranging from \$1 to \$5 per tree), site preparation (variable depending on the condition of your land), and tools (chainsaw, axe, etc.).
Timings: Expect 1-2 years for the trees to establish, followed by a coppicing cycle of 2-20 years depending on the species. Drying firewood takes 6-12 months.
Skill Levels: Establishing a coppice woodland requires basic gardening skills. Felling and processing trees require more advanced skills and a strong emphasis on safety.

Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Aspect of Firewood Production

I cannot stress enough the importance of safety when working with chainsaws, axes, and other tools. Here are some essential safety tips:

Wear appropriate safety gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Read the owner’s manuals: Familiarize yourself with the operation and safety features of all your tools.
Inspect your tools: Before each use, inspect your tools for damage and make sure they are in good working order.
Work in a safe environment: Clear the area around you of obstacles and ensure that there are no bystanders nearby.
Use proper techniques: Use proper felling and splitting techniques to avoid injury.
Take breaks: Avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks.
Never work alone: Always have someone nearby in case of an emergency.
Know your limits: Don’t attempt tasks that are beyond your skill level.
Consider a chainsaw safety course: If you are new to using a chainsaw, consider taking a safety course.

Next Steps: Getting Started with Your Coppice Woodland

Ready to start your own coppice woodland? Here are some practical next steps:

Assess your land: Determine the suitability of your land for coppicing. Consider factors such as soil type, drainage, and climate.
Choose your species: Select the species that are best suited for your land and your needs.
Develop a management plan: Create a plan that outlines your goals for the woodland, your planting schedule, and your coppicing cycle.
Source your planting stock: Order your seedlings or cuttings from a reputable nursery.
Prepare your site: Clear the area, improve drainage, and amend the soil.
Plant your trees: Plant the trees at the correct spacing and water them thoroughly.
Manage your woodland: Control weeds, water the trees, and protect them from pests and diseases.
Coppice your trees: Coppice the trees when they reach the desired size.
Process your firewood: Fell, buck, split, and stack the wood for drying.
Enjoy your firewood: Burn the seasoned wood in your fireplace or stove.

By following these steps, you can create a sustainable source of firewood for years to come. Remember, patience and careful planning are key to success. Building a sustainable firewood supply is an investment in your future and the future of our planet.

Fast Growing Trees for Firewood (Top 5 Coppicing Species Revealed)