[Homestead] Re: Ask a question?
tvoivozhd
tvoivozd at infionline.net
Sun Nov 28 15:43:35 EST 2004
sanrico at highdesert.com wrote:
>Thanks for taking the wheel and getting us back on track!
>I do have a question:
>I've seen mentioned, in various newsletters lately, proposals to begin
>planting/using poplar as hardwood for general construction purposes (which it's
>supposed to become once it's kiln-dried).
>I'm curious if 'poplar' would include the hybrid poplars that are advertised as
>being so fast-growing?
>Anybody?
>Sandy
>
>
tvoivozd---Hybrid poplars, like hybrid willows like Charolais X Angus
cattle grow faster than non-hybrids---a characteristic of hybrid vigor
My observation (not research) is that poplar grows well wherever
moisture-loving willows do, but not as fast, but the Matsudana X Salix
Alba is not as brittle as the huge Wisconsin willow---good for making
willow furniture. If you have acid soil the Tulip Magnolia would be
much better to grow for construction purposes. It grows almost as fast
as hybrids, and straight as a string, you don't have to continuously lop
off branches to get a good sawlog---unlike poplars awillows. Lumber has
to be treated the same way---works fine if kept under roof and dry.
Tulip Magnolia is even good for vertical siding (not horizontal), as
long as siding bottoms do not touch the ground where moisture can wick
up. I prefer a thicker and cheaper 10/eighths siding if you buy it from
a sawmill.
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