Growing, harvesting and marketing coppice eucalyptus trees for fuelwood

Several species of short rotation coppice trees can be considered for production of fuelwood for both the domestic and industrial markets. The preferred species in most districts of New Zealand is eucalyptus. Planted at 5000 trees/hectare, the first harvest after three years yields around 60 t/ha air dried. Subsequent harvests are likely to be at two-yearly intervals subject to further evaluation. The cost analyses of establishment, production and processing including transport, storage, and distribution costs, are discussed. A market assessment of domestic firewood is summarized along with a technique to compare the costs of competitive fuels.