That is a very good question. In fact, each species has its own very different life cycle. We can attempt to change this cycle through genetic improvement. The idea is not to change the genetics of trees, but simply to choose specimens that grow more quickly and then to produce seedlings, young plants to improve growth performance and therefore produce a tree that presents better characteristics, not only physically, but also growth-wise. This is being done throughout Canada for major species such as black spruce, white spruce, Douglas fir, alpine fir, etc.
There are certain species that we call high-end, like the hardwood in your region. In this area, maple and oak come to mind. These are species that have a very long life span; in some cases, these trees can live for a 150 to 200 years. There are however very rapid growth species, what we call light-demanding species, that often grow after a cut, such as birch and, especially, poplar. A lot of work has been done in Canada to improve poplar growth. In developing countries and in countries with major plantation projects, there is eucalyptus. For us, poplar is a species that grows very quickly. Some work will have to be done with the provinces as well as with the Canadian Forest Service, but this is a very fast growing species with a great future. Markets for products produced from this tree are being developed. I am thinking, for example, of oriented-strand or OSB board, a product that has replaced veneered panels.