Timber Trees
A surprisingly lucrative long-term investment
Potential of Timber
Planting timber is more profitable than planting food crops in the long run. To overcome the problem of the long wait to harvest, timber cultivation is typically practiced along with crop and livestock production systems. Timber is an important value asset for farmers because of the increasing demand for timber and limited wood supply from industrial plantations and natural forests. For a proper long-term gain, farmers should broaden their tree species portfolio and expand tree cultivation on farms. The supply gap left by the diminished forest plantations opens a new livelihood opportunity for commercial as well as smallholder farmers.


Gmelina arborea (White teak)
Extremely fast-growing, a lightweight hardwood, large deciduous tree, 30 m tall, straight trunk, trees are harvested at 10 to 12 years after planting for log production, produces good-quality pulp, wood is yellowish- to reddish-white, valuable general-purpose wood because of its dimensional stability, saws easily and has only slight blunting effects on tools, used for making furniture, plywood core stock, mine, props, matches and timber for light construction, wood burns well and makes a good fuel and charcoal, Excellent choice for large-scale reforestation programmes, well adaptable to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, Leaves are a good fodder and cattle eat the fruit, Flowers produce abundant nectar, which produces high-quality honey
1 m tree K80
1.5 m tree K140
2 m tree K200

Suitable to grow in most soil types, also tolerant of swampy soils. The wood weathers well and is resistant to borers and termites.
1 m tree K80
1.5 m tree K140
2 m tree K200

Ochroma pyramidale (Balsa Tree)
Balsa is a pioneer species that thrives on abandoned land, recommended for the recovery of degraded areas and soil improvements. Fast leaf turnover increases the soil organic matter content. The flowers provide abundant food for bats, birds and several insects. The seed fibre is used as stuffing for mattresses and cushions. In aeronautic modelling, Balsa Wood is very much in demand as it is a perfect wood that can easily withstand crash landings and does not cause any major damage. Valued as a component of full-sized light wooden airplanes.
1 m tree K80
1.5 m tree K140
2 m tree K200

Paulownia produce woody biomass for renewable energy, bioethanol, biogas, novel bioplastics, pellets, timber chips and charcoal, protects soil from erosion, wood is used to make furniture, doors, gift boxes, bowls, toys, clogs, handicrafts, musical instruments, used for construction lumber, insulation, plywood and veneer, planes and ship construction, biochar, and leaves are used for fertilizer (green manure), new trees grow from the stumps of felled trees
1 m tree K80
1.5 m tree K140
2 m tree K200

Drought tolerant. Fairly good resistance to termites and other timber pests.
1 m tree K80
1.5 m tree K140
2 m tree K200