Sunday 1 April 2012

Planting A Little Coppice

I'm not sure what everyone else got up to on Friday night, but I planted 10 sweet chestnut trees.

A Bucket of Sin - I should have planted these weeks ago.
I've decided that the corner of 2 acre field is going to become a little coppice for firewood. For the next few years we've got plenty of firewood coming in, from taking a few trees down to taking off some of the large overhanging limbs from the old oaks, but I need to plan for what wood we've got after that. That's why a few weeks ago I brought 10 sweet chestnut trees on line with the aim of starting a little coppice.

It might not look much but it's a start
Not only will this provide me with some firewood but it will be great for wildlife and somewhere fun for the kids to play. It's late to be planting trees and I know I should have done it earlier but we've been so busy I haven't had time. The plan is to find some young hazel and ash saplings to add to this little coppice so there will be trees growing at different rates and sizes.

The Budds are just ready to break
I also planted two rowan trees in the same area today, but they wont be for firewood - more for their berries! The only trouble is this is another area I've got to fence off - I'll be sick of that post basher by the end of the year!
Any other ideas for fast growing firewood that coppices well?

2 comments:

  1. I love this idea!! Funny - I grew up with woodburning stoves & we used to scavenge wood, as our property was small. But this!! I love the idea of standing trees providing firewood!! If ever I start my own homestead I would totally do this. It's perfect & I would imagine no to hard for a single gal to manage either!! Hurrah!! Cuz whole trees can be large & hefty work to split up. :-) Will keep an eye here for more handy tips!

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  2. A very late comment I know but Birch is brilliant for coppicing AND it grows fast and looks good.

    Sue xx

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