Toppling blamed on faulty planting

Press, 27 June 1987, Page 3

Toppling blamed on faulty planting

Pine trees have been toppling in Canterbury as a result of faulty planting in the early 19705, the North Canterbury Catchment Board heard yesterday.

Toppling was a widespread problem on the Canterbury Plains, said the board’s regional soil and water conservator, Mr Don Wethey.

The problem was a result of poor planting and faulty root stocks. The roots of the trees had not been trimmed and the trees had been planted in stony ground without ripping, he said. The straggly roots had meant it was almost impossible for them to grow

in a downwards and well spread position. Mrs Falaise Hales, of Amberley, advised the board earlier this year that trees planted in grant-assisted works on her land were toppling. The trees had grown all right for a time. But on reaching a certain height the wind had proved too much for them and a 300 m shelter belt had toppled; On inspection, the roots were found to be malformed. Mrs Hales has asked for permission to high-top trees to prevent further toppling. .. She said she had planted the trees herself, very carefully, and that the problem had been

caused by faulty root stocks. . ..

The board was in a difficult position because of its policy not to hightop trees, as they protect the land from wind erosion. In this case, however, the board has agreed some trees might be high-topped. The board decided to continue its efforts to promote the correct methods of planting. “We are encouraging nurseries to trim roots before trees are sent but to farmers and are promoting the use of ripping the ground which makes planting in stony ground much easier,” said Mr Wethey.