Sycamore currently used in Irish forestry is of unknown origin and its
quality is generally poor. In order to improve the nature of this
planting material an investigation was initiated.
Based our current knowledge of sycamore biology, ecology
and tree architecture, plus trees were identified during an extensive
survey in the north and northwest of Ireland. Out of the thousands of
trees observed only around 20 individuals met a reasonable proportion
of essential criteria to be described as plus trees.
In the autumn 1998 seeds were harvested from as many of
the identified trees as possible. Seedlings are now being grown to be
planted out in the Sligo region as part of the Western Forestry Co-op
planting programme.
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