Compelling reasons for planting hybrid poplars include rapid growth and ease of vegetative propagation from stem cuttings. On good sites, hybrid poplars grow faster than any other tree. Instead of waiting 15 to 35 years to harvest red alder, or 35 to 50 years or more to harvest Douglas fir, growers usually can harvest hybrid poplar in less than 15 years. The wood is suitable for a variety of uses. However, has low commercial value relative to other species.
Tests show hybrid poplar wood is exceptionally well suited for manufacture of quality paper.
An active program by James River Corporation, now the largest paper company in the United States, has almost 9,000 acres of hybrid poplar. An other potential market for hybrid poplar is the lumber production. Use of hybrid poplar for fuel holds promise, although poplar is not considered highly desirable for firewood due to its low wood density and high moisture content when green. However, on a dry weight basis, the wood equals red alder and big leaf maple in fuel value. Its best feature is how easily the fire can be started when the wood is dry.