Thread: Plantation Qld Maple

Good looking stuff cut on the quarter

Yes, I have some 20 year old Qld Maple in small plantations. It grows quite well but only in good sites here in south Qld. I also grow Hoop Pine and Gympie Messmate in plantations and as yet, I don't really have an opinion as to which I prefer and in what sites. I also grow Red Cedar and Silver Ash by natural regeneration. I am very glad to hear that someone likes the plantation grown wood as I am naturally a bit concerned. I have seen some timber and trees from some old about 1933 plantings but these have since been cut. I do have a little wood available from these smaller trees if anyone is interested.

Originally Posted by Bob Whitworth

Yes, I have some 20 year old Qld Maple in small plantations. It grows quite well but only in good sites here in south Qld. I also grow Hoop Pine and Gympie Messmate in plantations and as yet, I don't really have an opinion as to which I prefer and in what sites. I also grow Red Cedar and Silver Ash by natural regeneration. I am very glad to hear that someone likes the plantation grown wood as I am naturally a bit concerned. I have seen some timber and trees from some old about 1933 plantings but these have since been cut. I do have a little wood available from these smaller trees if anyone is interested.

Hi Bob,really pleased to hear that you've shown initiative to plant Qld Maple,and other species,in plantation format.In North Queensland,Qld Maple was planted in the 1930's as well,however,the plantations were never managed(thinned,etc),so their potential were never realized.In saying this,superior growth rates were achieved when the species was underplanted,throughout the existing rainforest.Maple Silkwood also performed better as an underplanting(this species is vunerable to pocket rot).Hoping your plantings continue to thrive,as plantation grown timber is the way forward.People are becoming alot more conscious as to where timber is sourced,particularly from rainforests,as they are diminishing at an alarming rate world-wide.Keep up the good work Bob,it's people like you that make a difference

Originally Posted by nifty

Good looking stuff cut on the quarter

Very true Nifty,does look deadly on the quarter,and very stable as well.

Mapleman, thanks for the positive comments. I am growing all 4 Maples, Qld, the common one, Silkwood, Scented, and Hard Scented from further north but the Qld is the best. Yes, Qld M does regenerate strongly as an understory species.

Ever grown Silver Ash ( Southern or Northern Ash) before Bob? More quality flindersias...,quite a rich genus ,really

Yes, I also grow Silver Ash by natural regeneration but it is a bit of a problem species because it is very susceptible to blue stain and needs treating for borer in the sapwood. I do sell it on a regular basis to a wheelwright who bends it for the rims and I have also sold some to someone who makes bows as in bows and arrows.

Originally Posted by Bob Whitworth

Yes, I also grow Silver Ash by natural regeneration but it is a bit of a problem species because it is very susceptible to blue stain and needs treating for borer in the sapwood. I do sell it on a regular basis to a wheelwright who bends it for the rims and I have also sold some to someone who makes bows as in bows and arrows.

Yes,have heard it is suitable for bows and arrows,I seems to be a bit of a pioneer species as well,have seen it grow in fairly dense stands on the Atherton Tableland,and they do grow quite large when mature.Have seen some beautifully figured boads of it....,a tad under rated i think