Demonstrations to help oak forestry owners optimise future crop value

OAK forestry owners can earn up to €60 per cubic metre and protect the health and long-term value of their mature trees by thinning their crop now and selling the product for firewood, according to Teagasc forestry advisor Michael Somers.

Without thinning, Oak tends to produce tiny matchstick twigs which ruin the veneer of the tree and reduce its long-term value. Teagasc, COFORD and the Forest Service are to host a nationwide series of demonstrations on tending and thinning, starting with the first such event today at Cappamurragh Farm House, Dundrum, Co Tipperary.

Michael Somers said: “Of all species of tree, the oak needs the most careful attention. If you over-thin it, you will ruin it. If you under-thin it, you will ruin the quality of the veneer. Oak is quite happy with the competition of tight planting. It will stay there 20 years without being thinned, but you’ll damage the quality of the veneer.

Visitors to today’s event will be given insights into the management of oak woodlands to produce quality stems and optimise the future crop’s value.

The event will demonstrate to participants the optimum time to commence tending and first thinning of oak. Other important topics to be discussed will include felling licences, harvesting grants, road access, firewood and charcoal production and non-timber products such as fungi.

Those interested are invited to arrive any time between 11am and 12.30pm. Guided tours will leave every 20 minutes, and the demonstration will take approximately 2.5 hours. Admission to the event is free.