Throughout North America, Hybrid Poplars have been planted in mine spoils, landfills, and hazardous sites where other species of trees fail to grow. This photo shows a coal strip mine spoil before reforestation.

This photo shows the same site only 5 years later. Aside of the absence of topsoil, many of these sites have high metal content or poor pH conditions. The Hybrid Poplar is one of the few trees which will acclimate to these varied conditions and perform well. As these trees continue to grow, they stabilize the soil, provide habitat for wildlife and transform unsightly wasteland into productive woodland areas.

This photo shows a stand of 20 year old poplars in Williamsburg, MA with the late Miles W. Fry (right). These trees stand 60-70 feet tall and a foot wide or more.

Many of these trees can be used either for firewood or for saw timber. In 20-30 years, most Hybrid Poplars will grow 24" dbh (diameter breast height), and make excellent lumber.