HOW TO DO COPPICING MAKE A FENCE OUT OF TREE BRANCHES

Home » Home and Family » Gardening Join Sign in EzineArticles - Expert Authors Sharing Their Best Original Articles Custom Search Search Irida Sangemino Diamond Quality Author Diamond Author | 79 Articles Joined: July 10, 2008 United States Using Coppicing for Wood Management and Animal Food Production By Irida Sangemino | Submitted On January 11, 2016 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Expert Author Irida Sangemino Have you ever wondered how you can manage your woodlands more sustainably? Is there an easy way to replenish the wood sticks for your rocket stove and, at the same time, grow nutritious greens for animal feed? Coppicing may be an excellent solution to reach these simple goals. Definition Coppicing is a way of cutting shrubs and trees to ground level to promote a strong re-growth and a sustainable supply of wood for future generations. Basically, you are taking advantage of the fact that a lot of trees make new growth from their roots or stump once they have been cut down. Benefits of Coppicing The coppicing pruning technique is used for many reasons, including: Generating a manageable multi-stemmed shrub rather than a big single-trunked tree Encouraging broader leaves on certain trees. Growing young, small leaves on various Eucalyptus species Creating woody stems ideal for firewood and/or making charcoal or biochar Generating building materials for industries like furniture production and fences Rejuvenating old shrubs and hedge plants that can tolerate hard pruning, such as hornbeam and yew Some foliage can be used as animal feed, like mulberry leaves Creating a valuable habitat for low-cover nesting birds that prefer living in semi-shaded conditions Encouraging a unique environment for wildflowers and pollinators Tree and Shrub Selection There are many plants suitable for coppicing. You will have to research which ones suit your climate and soil conditions. The list includes the following: Ash Dogwoods Elder Eucalyptus Foxglove tree Gum Hazel Hornbeam Indian bean tree Judas tree Lime Mulberry Oak Ornamental bramble Smoke bush Sweet chestnut Willow Yew When to Coppice Coppicing is generally done on trees in the juvenile stage. When mature enough, they are cut down near or at ground level, creating a stump, which is also known as the "stool." The best time to cut back trees and shrubs for coppicing is when they are still dormant, just before they come into active growth - in late winter or early spring. Once trees and shrubs were coppiced, you should continue to trim them every one to three years. Note: Coppiced trees generally grow more vigorously the second year, and then growth slows considerably in the third year. Coppicing Method Coppicing has been around for centuries. In fact, it was one of the main rural industries in Great Britain until its decline started in the 1850s when new materials were introduced to the manufacturing industry. Trimming the trees and shrubs is very easy, although labor intensive. You simply cut back all stems to about 2-2½in (5-7.5cm) from the ground, or to the previous year's stubs if you trim your plants every year. If you have the space, plant a coppice orchard. This will allow you to rotate the stem removal continuously and have a steady yearly supply of shoots and wood. Irida Sangemino is an accomplished permaculture adviser, homesteading expert, and instructor. Follow her and her husband Joe's adventures at the Stony Creek Permaculture Farm at [http://www.stonycreekpermaculture.com]. Your sustainable lifestyle starts here. Contact her at: info@stonycreekpermaculture.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Irida_Sangemino/237202 0 Comments | Leave a Comment Did you find this article helpful? Happy Face0 Sad Face0 Viewed 7 times Word count: 472 Article Tools EzinePublisher Report this article Cite this article Stay Informed Subscribe to New Article Alerts: Home and Family: Gardening Irida Sangemino Email Address Subscribe We will never sell or rent your email address. Gardening Article Feed Gardening Article Feed Find More Articles Search Recent Articles Utricularia Plants: Learn About Managing And Growing Bladderworts Top 10 Water Primrose Facts You Need to Know Coontail - Mechanical and Chemical Control Options Moderate May Weather in Southern California Makes Gardening Easy The 5 Elements of Caring for a Bonsai Tree Winter Gardening - How to Grow Vegetables in Winter Things to Consider For Buying Plant Seeds Why You Should Plant a California Native Garden Planning Your Garden Part 1 6 Easy Tips for a Beautiful Lawn EzineArticles.com About Us FAQ Contact Us Member Benefits Privacy Policy Shop Site Map Blog Training Video Library Advertising Affiliates Cartoons Authors Submit Articles Members Login Premium Membership Expert Authors Endorsements Editorial Guidelines Terms of Service Publishers Terms Of Service Ezines / Email Alerts Manage Subscriptions EzineArticles RSS © 2017 EzineArticles All Rights Reserved Worldwide