ADVICE AVAILABLE ON TREE CARE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30200, 3 August 1963, Page 6

ADVICE AVAILABLE ON TREE CARE

INSPECTION of a wide A range of Canterbury farms had revealed that a significant number of farmers had planted pinus radiata for noxious weeds and erosion control during She last eight to 10 years, the Forest Service’s forest extension officer (Mr F. J. Gimbietti earlier this week.

Mr Gimblett was recently . appointed farm forestry officer for the South Island and spends a great deal of his time aiding farmers and local

authorities with afforestations problems. These plantings had not only accomplished their original task, but had grown into woodlots of considerable potential value financially, but now required pruning and in some cases thinning. “In view of the need in the future for good-quality timber to replace our dwindling indigenous supplies. correct tending of such woodlots would produce the quality and quantity which will be in firm demand, and. in addition, will return to the grower a satisfying dividend in cash,” Mr Gimblett said. With the normal pressures of farm work, owners probably had little time to consider the importance of these wood lots. He said that advice on necessary tending, much of which could be accomplished by normal farm labour, could be obtained from the Forest Service, which can also advise about equipment for this work. “Farm forestry associations. which are rapidly gaining in strength, are fully aware of the importance of correct tending practice and have done much to create the enthusiasm required and deserve the support erf all erf the fanning community in the campaign to improve timber quality." Mr Gimblett said.