Coppicing

Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management, by which young tree stems are cut down to a low level, or sometimes right down to the ground. In subsequent growth years, many new shoots will grow up, and after a number of years the cycle begins again and the coppiced tree or stool is ready to be harvested again. Typically a coppice woodland is harvested in sections, on a rotation. In this way each year a crop is available. This also has the side-effect of providing a rich variety of habitats, as the woodland always has a range of different aged stools growing in it. This is beneficial for biodiversity.

Above; diagram illustrating the coppicing cycle over a 7-20 year period

These shoots (or "suckers") may be used either in their young state for interweaving in wattle fencing as is the practice with willows, or the new shoots may be allowed to grow and mature into fully established tree trunks as with oaks or ashes, for the former use in shipbuilding (wooden ships) or carriagebuilding.

It may also be used to encourage specific growth patterns, as with cinnamon trees which are grown for their bark.

See also

• Pruning fruit trees
• Pollarding
• Shredding
• Apical dominance