What’s the point of growing Alder?

blue5000

I don’t have a lot of it, it was planted at the edge of conifers perhaps as shelter or for cosmetic reasons. It was also planted on some small really wet areas where perhaps birch or willow would have been better. But now the tallest ones are all leaning off into the conifers. I wonder should I cut them down before they damage the conifers?

What can the Alder wood be used for, I think it doesn’t rot in water so stakes or strainers in a bog might be an option, but need a bit more googling on this.

timfromtang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058271988/what-s-the-point-of-growing-alder

A question that perhaps a forest owner should ask before planting any species?

whats the point of growing oak? cherry, lime, you name it.

As for the Alder,

it is a fast growing hardwood,

It tolerates wet soils and fixes nitrogen,

It is a pioneer species and therefore useful in conversion of land to forest.

bushcraft toothbrushes can be made from its twigs (high tannins clean teeth)

The bark can be used in leather tanning,

The timber is durable underwater and was used in crannóg construction,

The timber takes preservatives well, cuts and finishes nicely, and has a lovely red brown tones.

there do not seem to be established markets for this timber in Ireland, although there is research going on at Letterfrack.

In other parts of the world it is a popular material for hobby woodworkers, and used commercially in the frames of soft furnishings.

tim

blue5000

Thanks Tim, they are not too big yet, charcoal is another use for them too!

timfromtang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119881590#Comment_119881590

I've made charcoal with Alder, It makes light charcoal that burns really evenly, ideal for BBQ, but for metallurgy or forging, less than ideal.

tim

I think if u plant it along a riverbank its great because its roots are so long and stops erosion.

Nosler

Back in the day alder charcoal was the best charcoal for making gunpowder...

I've planted a lot, it grows well, however it doesnt really have an economic value.

Another DAFM gem.

Apparently very useful in underwater restoration works....

blue5000

I suppose I could use it in a bog as a foundation for a road to get the good timber out🤔

timfromtang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935026#Comment_119935026

its more valuable for firewood than spruce pine or fir....

tim

drive it

Why isn't it used for stakes and strainers if it lasts in wet area's, as for the stuff that's going now you'd be lucky to get 3-5 years out of some stakes , and with them baning creosote stakes from next year there could be an opening

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935026#Comment_119935026

Yes, and therow in 5 or 6 Forest Service Inspectors to pad it out.

ppn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119881062#Comment_119881062

Can Alder be used for posts untreated?

timfromtang

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120420954#Comment_120420954

Yes although they will not last long. Practically probably no. Alder is however durable when submerged in water.

tim

Squiggle

Would Alder be the best option for firewood for a wettish 2500 sq metre plot that is currently in grass ? Its part of a large garden with too much grass to be cut and I want to use the area productively?

Large bottle small glass

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120550758#Comment_120550758

I'd plant at least some willow to, great in wet ground and coppices well.

I have wet ground and Alder thrives to, but I prefer how willow burns.

See what else is growing naturally locally. Stick in a few other natives trees to get a mix going even if small numbers; maybe oak, holly, rowan etc

blue5000

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120550758#Comment_120550758

Willow is very easy to grow, just cut a branch off another tree, make a cut at a branch intersection and it will grow if stuck in the ground. Birch is another good option in wet soils.

Squiggle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120556657#Comment_120556657

Have actually done that with willow on a trial basis. Very easy to grow from cuttings alright.

Large bottle small glass

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120613017#Comment_120613017

If you leave a block of willow fall on wet ground it'll grow.

I had a small leak in a shed one time, two willow blocks on the floor were sprouting.