Tasmanian blue gum
Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus) is a very fast-growing eucalypt preferring 1000 mm or more of rainfall annually and deep, clay-based soils. It is a premier pulp species and can grow very quickly.
Table 1: General characteristics for Tasmanian blue gum
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Botanical name | Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus |
Growth rate in preferred conditions | Very fast |
Estimated rotation length (yr) in preferred conditions to produce 60cm diameter at breast height | 15–25 |
Preferred annual rainfall (mm/yr) | 1000+ |
Minimum rainfall (mm/yr) | 800+ |
Preferred elevation (m) ASL | 0–400 |
Preferred landscape position | Mid-lower slopes and flats |
Preferred soil | Deep (>2m) clay-based soil |
Prohibitive soil | Shallow soils (<2m), uniform sands |
Poor drainage tolerance | Moderate |
Dry site tolerance | Low |
Frost tolerance | Moderate to high |
Pest and disease problems: trees planted on unsuitable sites are more prone to insect and disease issues | Sawfly larvae, autumn gum moth, cerambycid/longicorn beetles, Christmas beetles |
Table 2: Timber characteristics for Tasmanian blue gum
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Strength: seasoned timber only | SD2: high |
Durability: in ground | above ground | 3 | 2 |
Drying: green to 12% moisture content | Difficult to dry. High shrinkage. Reconditioning required. Shrinkage about 6% radial and 12% tangential. |
Main commercial products | Pulp, light and heavy construction, internal flooring, posts and poles, sleepers, tool handles, joinery |
Bushfire resistance: measured by bushfire attack level (BAL) | BAL 12.5 and 19 – all AS3959 required applications |
Least attractive features | Susceptibility of juvenile foliage to pests. Low drought tolerance. Sapwood susceptible to lyctid borer. |
Most attractive features | Premier pulp species. Can grow very quickly. |
Status as a plantation species | Mainstream |
Note: Timber characteristics and durability are based on Australian Standard: Timber Natural durability ratings (AS 5604–2005). Refer to the Appendix for an explanatory table. Where (?) applied, rating is based on field experience.
Note: Bushfire resistance measurement is based on naturally bushfire resisting timbers, which are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. For more information refer to Australian Standard 3959:2018.
Assumptions and notes
- Sites considered for planting contain at least one metre of soil above an impeding layer (e.g., bedrock or layer impenetrable to roots).
- Please note that most (if not all) eucalypts in Gippsland grow best on sheltered sites.
- Overall slow drying time across air and kiln-dried schedules is recommended to minimise drying degrade. This is the best starting point for inexperienced operators.
References
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Boland DJ et. al (1992). Forest trees of Australia. CSIRO Australia.
Bootle KR (1983). Wood in Australia – Types, properties and uses. McGraw Hill, Australia
Carnegie AJ (2002). Field guide to common pests and diseases in eucalypt plantations in NSW. Research and Development Division of State Forests, NSW.
Clarke B, McLeod I and Vercoe T (eds) 2009. Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. RIRDC Publication No. 09/015. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Mortimer J (2003). A selection of alternative timbers. Taitua Books, NZ.
National Association of Forest Industries (2004). Timber species and properties, revised edition. Timber Manual Datafile P1
Nicholas ID, Gifford HH and Kimberely MO (1997). Siting black walnut. FRI Bulletin no. 188
Phillips C (1996). Insects, diseases and deficiencies associated with eucalypts in South Australia. Primary Industries SA Forests.
Poole B, Waugh G and Yang JL (2017). Potential for growing and processing durable eucalypts in New Zealand. Publication No. SWP-T036. Solid Wood Innovation. Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership.
Reid R (2017). Heartwood. The art and science of growing trees for conservation and profit. Melbourne Books.
Tepper CJ (2002). Plantation eucalypt species for solid wood products – a profile of Eucalyptus muelleriana. Gottstein Fellowship Report for the Gottstein Memorial Trust
Tepper CJ (2008). Site Matching and Establishing Eucalypt Sawlog Species in Southern Australia. In Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2008. Plantation eucalypts for high value timber. RIRDC Publication No. 08/113, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.