Forestry Research
Teagasc provides independent forestry research, advisory and training services to private forest owners in Ireland.
Our research covers many aspects of the life cycle of a forest from seedling to sawdust.
The tree improvement programme focuses on breeding for resistance to ash dieback disease and the development of improved alder and birch for the afforestation programme.
To ensure correct species choice, research focuses on identifying the right tree for the right site using various tools such as site classification, land use analysis, economic modelling and socio-economic research. This informs forest policy.
To assist in management, our research programme also focuses on the management of broadleaves and conifers which aims to assist in the development of best practice in farm forests and promotes the use of tending, thinning and crop management to maximise timber utilisation.
Research is carried out in Teagasc research centres in state-of-the-art laboratories and growing facilities and on privately owned farm forests throughout Ireland.
We strive to deliver science-based innovation, significantly benefiting our advisory and training services. It allows for rapid and effective knowledge transfer.
Overview of Teagasc forestry research projects:
Tree Breeding / Genetics
Current research projects
- Ash resistance to ash dieback Development of ash tree genetic resources with resistance to ash dieback (Chalara) and breeding technologies
- Irish Birch and Alder Improvement Programme
- Improving ash and sycamore
- Provenance selection in Sitka spruce, Oak and Beech
Past research projects
- Conservation and characterisation of Irish willows
- Co-ordination of tree breeding in Europe
- Identifying the scale of suspected hybrid ash ("brown bud ash")
Silviculture
Current research projects
- ShortFor Project
- AgroCop Project - Innovative agroforestry systems with short rotation coppice
- Potential of Minor Conifer Species
- Broadleaf Silviculture Project
- Transformation of Sitka spruce to CCF
- EARTH – Exploitation and Realisation of Thinnings from Hardwoods
Past research projects
- Broadleaf Silviculture Research and Development
- Broadform project
- Formative shaping of broadleaves
- Ash - growth related factors identified
Management
Current research projects
- WINDRISK Project
- Sustainable thinning
Past research projects
- Reducing windthrow losses in farm forestry
- Forest Productivity and Management
- CLUSTER Project
- SUPPLYCHIP Project
Economics
Current research projects
Past research projects
- Farm forestry: Land availability, take-up rates and economics
Contacts
- Contact the relevant Forestry Research Staff for further information.