Wanton Tree-Cutting At Christmas Condemned

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28440, 21 November 1957, Page 9

Wanton Tree-Cutting At Christmas Condemned

The Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture has made a study of the Christmas tree problem and has expressed its concern at the wanton cutting of young pine trees and mutilation of larger trees, especially close to cities.

This is recorded in the November issue of the New Zealand Journal of Agriculture by the director of the horticulture division of the Department of Agriculture, Mr A. M. W. Greig. The reckless cutting of young coniferous trees in plantations or shelter belts without the authority of the owner to provide Christmas trees cannot be too strongly condemned, he says. Each year pines and related trees which have been planted for beautification or afforestation are cut off in their prime.

In countries such as England, Holland, Denmark, Australia and the United States, the production of Christmas trees is regarded as an industry, Mr Greig says. People have developed the habit of obtaining their trees legitimately and there are markets which cater for this trade. In most instances private enterprises and State forests produce the trees and some local bodies have developed production schemes indirectly to guard their other plantings. The Institute of Horticulture considers that the problem in New Zealand is a growing one and that some action should be taken in all cities. There are many forests in New Zealand owned and operated by the New Zealand Forest Service, by city councils and other local bodies and by private companies and from these thinnings might be obtainable as Christmas trees, Mr Greig says. It is also the institute’s opinion that on the poorer class of land Christmas tree farming could be profitable in this country if suitable species and cultural methods were used. The institute seeks the goodwill of all tree lovers and emphasises that people should obtain their Christmas trees legitimately. This can be done in several ways:— First, by people growing their own Christmas trees on their

property or in tubs which can be brought inside over the festive season. Second, a plant nurseryman could be asked whether he has suitable coniferous trees for sale. Third, inquiry could be made of a farmer or small holder whether he has any trees for sale or distribution from the thinning out of a shelter belt or young plantation. Fourth, inquiries could be made at local offices of the New Zealand Forest Service about the availability of thinnings from their plantations.