Got Nature? Blog

Some trees with fast growth rates on good sites that might provide saleable products in 30 years include poplars and cottonwoods, tulip tree, silver maple, sycamore, ash, black locust, river birch and possibly black cherry. Value of these trees will vary widely based on demand, wood quality and volume. Most of these species are available from state or private nurseries.

However, harvesting trees for high value products in 30 years is not very likely at this time in Indiana. Some tree species growing on good sites with consistent management have the potential to produce small logs in 30 years, but the volume and value of the logs may not make this an attractive investment. A rapid increase in both volume and value of wood may occur if the trees are allowed to grow for 10 to 20 more years.

As an example, walnut trees in a well-managed plantation on a productive site might average 0.4 inches of diameter growth each year. After 30 years, the trees remaining after the thinnings required to maintain the growth rate would be 12 inches in diameter and might average one 12 foot log with 20 to 25 board feet of lumber per tree. This size of tree is not generally attractive to log buyers. After 40 years, the trees are now 16 inches in diameter and may average one 16 foot log with 70 board feet per tree. After 50 years, the trees are now 20 inches in diameter. If the average log length is still one 16 foot log, the tree volume is now 130 board feet, or nearly double the volume of only 10 years ago and over five times the volume at year 30.

Check out the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Tree Seedling Nurseries.