coppicing ash for firewood.

[skodajag]

I hope I've found the right place for this question and apologise if not....

I've recently planted some ash with the intention of coppicing it for firewood. I've planted it quite close - about 2 metres between trees which were bare root, 60-80cms. My question is this: when should I first cut it back to ground level to encourage multiple branch growth? I believe with willow one does this in the second year from planting. Is it the same with ash? My aim is to maximise the yield of wood, with the timescale for this being of secondary importance. With thanks and regards, JD

 

[AIM]

No need for apologies but I would go to the "NURSERY" section of AS for this answer. Here in wood heat we just like to cut em down....:msp_biggrin:

 

[imagineero]

Coppicing, particularly for charcoal manufacture is still fairly common in your part of the world. They've been at it in the UK and europe for a long long time. It never really caught on for the rest of us, so I think you'd get better info by looking around locally. It's actually illegal in Australia. Do some seraching on google, especially for 'coppicing' and 'charcoal' in the uk. You'll find lots of people you can call and talk to. They will be helpful.

Shaun