TREES
POPLAR
AREAS OF GROWTH
Poplar tree, from the willow family, has 30 different species and these species create the type of Populus. It generally grows in mild and cold climates. It is widely distributed in Southern and Central Europe, north-eastern United States, Canada, western Asia and North Africa.
EXPORT/IMPORT
According to some world trade data, Canada comes first among the countries that export the highest amount of poplar timber. Canada is followed by the USA, Russia, Ukraine and Japan. On the other hand, the leading countries that import this tree are China, Germany, England, Italy and Iran.
FEATURES/STRUCTURE
Poplar tree, which can grow very quickly under suitable conditions, is found in many geographies and can live 100 to 150 years. It can reach 20 to 30 meters in length. Its trunk diameter, on the other hand, is between 60 to 120 cm. The poplar has a long vegetation season in terms of climate. That’s why it shows better growth in protected and warm places and it consumes a large amount of water. The average dried weight of the poplar is around 380 and 450 kg/m3. The pores, cores and veins of the poplar are not visible to the naked eye. It has no color difference between its sapwood and the heartwood. But sometimes its heartwood can be white, dirty white, yellowish-white, or sometimes brown.
WORKING PROPERTIES
Since the poplar wood is very soft, coarse and loose, its strength and cost are lower than other wood types. This tree shows just a little cracking under suitable conditions. Although it can be cut easily, it may dull the tools quickly. Since it has a weak resistance to physical effects, it is easy to process with CNC lathes, hand tools and machines. Plus, the poplar wood bonds with the glue easily. It is also good at nailing, screwing and painting, but it is a difficult type to varnish. There is always a risk about warp and deteriorating when it’s drying process. Finally, it has not resistant to decay and is susceptible to insect attacks.
areas of use
The poplar wood is mostly used for lining coating, painting and drawing board production, match production, interior parts of furniture, meter and ruler production and construction timber. It is also used for utility timber, furniture carcasses, box and crate making, plywood and laminated panel making, veneer and inlays.