Tree planting can pay dividends

Ireland: The financial difference between a well managed crop destined for the furniture market and a poorly managed crop suitable only for firewood can be greater than €20,000 per hectare, according to Teagasc.

Head of Forestry Development Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta made the comparison at the conclusion of a series of 23 broadleaf management forestry walks organised in 18 counties by Teagasc with the Forest Service and attended by over 350 farmers and other landowners.

With over 15,000 hectares of broadleaves planted in the last five years, the events were an introduction to the management of young broadleaves.