Coppice Agroforestry

Cut and come again forestry – reviving the ancient practice of resprout silviculture to power local woodland-based economies.

Coppice Agroforestry is a richly illustrated, comprehensive guide to resprout silviculture – managing trees and shrubs by coppicing, pollarding, shredding, and pleaching – for a continuous supply of small diameter polewood for products from firewood to fine furniture.

Contextualizing resprout silviculture historically, ecologically, and economically, Coppice Agroforestry explores the potential of this ancient practice for modern times. Coverage includes:

The cultural history of coppicing in Europe and North AmericaTree and shrub anatomy, biology, and woodland ecologyA suite of woodland management systemsDozens of handcrafted wood products on a continuum of value, offering a wide range of business opportunitiesCase studies of diverse coppice-based enterprisesAssessing existing forests for coppice potentialDesigning new resprout silviculture systemsTables highlighting diverse species for various usesA vision of a modern resprout silviculture renaissance.A decade in the making, encyclopedic in scope, and written by the hand of a woodsman, Coppice Agroforestry is a deep dive into this ancient practice, blending it with modern science, systems thinking, and tools to land it firmly into the 21st century.

Whether you have a few trees or an entire forest, Coppice Agroforestry is the must-have practical guide for homesteaders, farmers, foresters, land managers, and educators who ally themselves with the remarkable resilience of woody plants.