FINAL REPORT Solid Wood Product Opportunities from Short Rotation Hybrid Poplar Trees

Fast growing hybrid poplar trees are being plantation grown in the Pacific northwest of the United States and British Columbia for the production of chips for pulp. If allowed to grow somewhat longer (to a rotation age of 9-10 years) and achieve saw log size, the basal log(s) might be used to produce lumber for solid wood products with the remaining stem volume chipped. Solid wood product manufacture would likely result in value added to the raw material. This study estimated lumber recovery rates from hybrid poplar logs, determined certain important manufacturing characteristics of this lumber (machinability, fastening, laminating, finishing and strength) and examined some of the possible products that could be made from this wood. Recovery of usable dry lumber from hybrid poplar logs varied from 42% of log volume for small 7"-9" diameter logs to 54% for large 11" plus diameter logs. Recovery rates would presumably be higher yet for larger log sizes. The wood was comparable to other low to moderate density woods for machinability, fastening, laminating and finishing characteristics and would be well suited for products not requiring high strength, surface hardness or exterior applications. Items successfully produced included: a desk, bookcases, tongue and groove paneling, trim moldings and thin walled decorative boxes for high value foods, wine, and clothing. This work was conducted in Vernon by British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Research Branch staff.