Workshop planned as broadleaf trees pay off for landowners

BROADLEAF trees planted in the 1990s are now paying dividends to landowners, according to Teagasc forestry experts.

Teagasc, the Forest Service and COFORD are jointly hosting a broadleaf tending and thinning demonstration this morning at the Drumlane Community Centre, Milltown, Co Cavan, relating to the nearby forest of Justin Good, winner of two RDS forestry awards — the Medal of Merit in 2004 and the Farm Forestry Award in 2005.

Teagasc forestry adviser Kevin O’Connell said: “Justin Good planted 1.5 hectares of ash in 1991 which have been thinned three times already. He planted another 10 hectares in 1999 and 6.5ha in 2007 of mixed broadleaf trees.

“Justin decided to make a career in forestry and in 2008 returned to college to qualify as a forester. He is studying for his masters in WIT. The 1999 plantation is now ready for thinning, which he will carry out himself and sell the thinnings as firewood.”

Some 90% of all trees (50% of the volume in broadleaf woodland) is removed as thinnings over the commercial life of the crop.

This morning’s workshop will also outline forest service grants, such as the one-off €750 per hectare to thin the woodlands.

Topics covered include growing trees for quality timber, timing of first thinning and harvesting.