Uses
While the poplars are softwood (as opposed to hardwood), their uses and benefits are many:
Add Property value
Firewood in 5 years
Golf courses
Lower electric bills
Privacy screen in 3 years
Shade in 4 years
Streets and highways
Visual screens in 2 years
Forage
Fuel Ethanol
Windscreens in 3 years
Commercial developments
Industrial Sites
Living borders in 4 years
Make plenty of mulch
Pulpwood in 10 years
Sprout from the stump
Timber in 8 years
Bio-fuel
Wood pulp
Fiber
Conservation Reserve
Excellent for fiber
Landfills
Logs in 8 – 10 years
Ornamental purposes
Residential developments
Stop soil erosion
Trailer parks
Wildlife habitat
Timber
Pelletized wood
A Place to relax
I applaud those people who find so many uses for this wonderful tree, but that is as far as I go. The hybrid poplar grows fast, gives shade fast, but I would not have it as a permanent tree for a nice looking residence. There are so many more beautiful trees that you can plant.
What I am trying to say is, if you need quick shade plant hybrid poplars, but at the same time plant some maples, Oaks, Ashes, or any other kind of trees you may like. In 4 or 5 years from now, the poplars will be 40 feet tall and your other trees may be 15 feet or so, large enough to give you some shade.
This is when you get your trusty chain saw and without mercy cut the poplars (or only some of them) down to the ground. Your other trees immediately will seem to be much taller and more beautiful. Not only that, with the increase in sunshine your trees will grow faster. Keep the shoots in check on the poplar stump, it will eventually die and disintegrate.
