Tree-Planting Facts

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 388, 23 June 1928, Page 27

Tree-Planting Facts

AID TO PRODUCTION Room for Greater Activity WITH the slack months of winter upon them farmers will be turning their attention to improvements to property which time did not permit in the busier seasons. Despite the obvious value of judicious tree-planting on the farm, too little attention is paid to it. A proper programme of tree-planting on many farms would undoubtedly add to their value, and it is certain that the stock would benefit and returns increase in proportion.

In their ruthless destruction of native bush most New Zealand farmers have com© to treat trees, as an essential adjunct to successful management, far too lightly. The need of trees, both from the point of view of shelter and timber, scarcely enters the mind of a large percentage of men on the land. This is strikingly indicated by the barren appearance of many New Zealand farms. From the point of view of stock management, shelter belts of trees are essential in all weathers. This can hardly be disputed. In the hot weather of summer it must be to the advantage of the stock to seek shade from the mid-day sun. It is certainly true on farms where shelter is available. Stock gasping under the shade of a wire fence, or fighting for position in the shade of a solitary tree, common sight* in all parts, are sure enough

indication of the need of shelter. Again, shelter belts ar© Nature’s protection for stock in the cold and wet of winter. Where dairy cattle are concerned it has been proved that stock protected from th© worst effects of the weather produce more. Similarly sheep com© through th© winter in better order. This is only natural and in accordance with human experience. Take again the value of scattered

| plantations as timber reserves. There ! is always a need for rails, posts and lire wood on the farm, yet to-day much of this has to be bought, involving comparatively high Initial and haulage costs. Then there is always the aesthetic aspect to be considered. A farmhouse and outbuildings situated among judiciously laid out trees, even if only scattered here and there in odd corners, always has a more pleasing appearance. Scattered plantations in odd corners and waste spaces about the farm also add to its appearance and prove a valuable asset when it comes to a sale. This is an aspect which cannot be treated, too, lightly. No reasonable argument, economic or aesthetic, cun be adduced for the non-prosecution of a programme of judicious tree planting. The labour and cost is negligible, and the State Forest Service is available for the

man requiring information and advice as to the trees most suited to his needs. Much has been done by the State and private concerns in the planting of large areas during the past decade. It is to be hoped that more will be done by the farmer in the near future. Of course, it can be overdone, but 99 pe.r cent, of New Zealand farmers have a long way to go before they reach that stage.