i have hewn timbers out of balsom poplar (we call it balm of gilead poplar in northern ontario, canada) and it is not the most pleasant wood to cut. even where there are no big knots it tended to tear out. this may have been twist in the trees, but they looked like they would cut nicely.

also, when fresh cut it smells like beavers. probably no coincidence since that's what they like to eat.

this is a very good species for sauna benches though. easy to get clear material, the wood isn't dense and so doesn't get too hot for your bottom, and since it's very pale it can be bleached to clean without turning ugly.