Forestry for the environment and power
Recent research has shown that all species absorb CO2 right from planting to old age (200 years plus). However, the peak period for carbon sequestration is in a tree’s teenage years! Depending on the species this ranges from 10 to 45 years after planting, where sequestration rates are in excess of 12 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year.
If your farm has a policy of continual tree planting you will ensure that there are always trees in the age-classes that maximise sequestration. Of course it also means you will always have a ready supply of timber!
We’ve found these really helpful guides from the Forestry Commission – they can tell you lots more about the environmental benefits of well-managed woodlands.
Poplar is an excellent choice for forestry as it is very fast growing.