Plant hybrid poplar cuttings with only the upper bud exposed.

Cutting Care

• DO keep refrigerated prior to soaking.
• DO leave in plastic bag until planting.
• DO soak in 4" of water for 2-5 days prior to planting.
• DO store, soak and plant cuttings with buds pointing upward.
• DO keep the temperature below 70 F during soaking.
• Exposure to light for extended periods before planting is harmful.

Field Marking

The marking of field prior to planting has proven to be an effective method of setting up fields for cross cultivation. The field can be marked for a variety of configurations, however 8x8 has been the most productive in the 10-12 yr cycle. The field is hand planted within a few days of marking. If using a planting machine, row width can be obtained by a pole spacer and drag chains.

Cuttings are planted by placing them 8 to 10 inches deep, so that not more than 1 inch of the cutting is above ground. The cutting must be aligned prior to planting so that the buds are pointing upward. The soil should be packed firmly around the cutting. A tree planting machine works very well.

Planting

• Soil should be tilled to a depth of 10" to 12" prior to planting.
• Moisture must be adequate - similar to what is needed for planting small grains and corn.
• Never plant in mud or standing water.
• Plant at soil temperatures above 50 F (usually same time as corn planting).
• The furrow or hole the cutting is placed in must be large enough to prevent damage to the buds.

Weed Control

Hybrid poplars need good weed control for the first 3 to 4 years. Once the hybrid poplar canopy is well developed, its shade is very effective in eliminating further weed competition until harvest.

Weed and grass control may be accomplished by the use of labeled herbicides and by cultivation. Common farm equipment can be used to perform both chemical and mechanical week control operations. A person familiar with the application of herbicides in short rotation forestry should be consulted on the use of specific herbicides and cultivation practices to ensure good results.

• The most successful weed control comes from good site preparation.
• If a pre-emergent herbicide is used, get instructions from a person familiar with herbicide use on young trees.
• Cultivation may be necessary, but must be shallow, and done with care to avoid root pruning.

Fertility Management

Proper fertility management is as essential to successful hybrid poplar production as it is to most common farm crops. Field tests of poplar indicate a good growth response to fertilizers, particularly nitrogen.

80% of the your tree's rooting occurs in the top 12" of soil, so shallow cultivation is required to avoid root pruning. DO NOT till deeper than 2 to 3". Only recommended herbicides should be applied to the soil near the trees. Some herbicides may cause stunting of root growth.