Woodchipping - Environmental Issues

Environmental Issues

If woodchips are harvested through sustainable forestry practices, then this is considered a source of renewable energy. On the other hand, it is clear that some harvesting practices, such as clearcutting large areas, are often highly damaging to forest ecosystems.

Theoretically, whole-tree chip harvesting does not have as high a solar energy efficiency, as compared to short rotation coppice; however, it can be an energy-efficient and low-cost method of harvesting. In some cases this practice may be controversial when whole-tree harvesting may often associated with clear cutting, and perhaps other questionable forestry practices.