THE ECONOMICS OF MILLING POPLAR
SUMMARY
Across Hawke’s Bay there is a significant, largely untapped resource in millable poplar. But is it worth the effort? The Hāwea Sub-catchment used a TLC Demonstration Grant to investigate the economics of milling poplar and whether it stacks up in practice.
For many landowners, poplars are seen as an inconvenience at best and a liability at worst. Large numbers were planted in the 1960s and 1970s but were never properly pruned or thinned. As a result, many have grown into oversized, unstable trees that are difficult, expensive and often unsafe to manage.
In the next 10-15 years these old-man poplars will have to come out. The question then becomes what to do with the timber to avoid it causing destruction or just being added to burn piles.
HĀWEA POPLAR MILLING CASE STUDY
In 2024, the Hāwea Sub-catchment used a TLC Demonstration Grant to investigate the practical economics of milling poplar timber. Hāwea farmer Evan Potter milled three mature poplars on his farm, along with one wind-thrown tree that had been on the ground for around three years. The timber was milled for on-farm use, including sheep and cattle yard timber and battens.
Project Snapshot
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Trees were approximately 50–60 years old and had received no silvicultural management
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Each tree produced three large logs, along with several smaller logs
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Felling took three days, with a further five days of on-site milling
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Milling averaged around 2–3 m³ per day (approximately one tree per day)
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Milling costs were approximately $350 per m³ (around $1,000 per day)
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Timber will be treated at a later date at an estimated cost of $150–$195 per m³
For more information see the TLC Poplar Milling Worksheet below.
TLC POPLAR MILLING WORKSHEET
To learn more about the Hāwea Poplar Milling project - along with practical information on poplars, including their value, uses, varieties and local milling options - see the TLC poplar milling worksheet below.
FURTHER INFORMATION & CONTACT
For more information on poplars - including how to start your own poplar nursery, Pole Planting in Hawke’s Bay Hill Country, and Poplars and the Emissions Trading Scheme - visit the TLC Poplar Page on our website.
If you’d like more information or support, please get in touch with TLC Catchment Coordinator Pixie Seligman:
Email: tukicoordinator@gmail.com
Phone: 027 721 2423