TREE PLANTING

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1933, Page 5

TREE PLANTING

FOR THE FARM AND GARDEN. ADDRESS BY MR. V. C. DAVISS. An interesting talk on what to plant for the farm and garden, illustrated with plants, was given by Mr. V. C. Davies, New Plymouth, at Hurworth on Monday night under the auspices of the Farmers Union. Mr. R. E. Gilbert, president of the Hurworth branch of the union, presided, there being an attendance of about 40, including a number of ladies. The address was of a very practical nature, Mr. Davies showing how to wrench, bud and graft. ... Winter was the time, Mr. Davies said, when their thoughts turned to farm improvements, but funds would not permit any big outlay at the present time. Correct tree-planting, however, had proved to be such a real economy on the farm that even with present low prices it should be given serious consideration. Firstly, with shelter belts, there was the saving in cow rugs, also the better pastures in early spring. Then from plantations there was firewood, and timber for posts, poles and milling. On practically every farm there were some waste spaces, steep hillsides, swampy streams, drains, etc., which produced nothing but were a source of expense in the annual clearing of weeds, and often a danger to stock. By correct planting—there were trees suitable for any position —all those areas could be made productive and the weed menace a thing of the past. There was, of course, the expense of fencing but all that was required was a temporary fence of three wires, with even pinus insignis posts to keep out the larger stock. Rubbish must be kept back off the plants, and in from 10 to 15 years posts, firewood and poles would be available. Before planting they should consider the native habitat pf the trees. Lawsoniana, pines, fruit trees, etc., which came from«cold climates could be planted successfully at any time during the winter and early spring, but others such as acacias, eucalyptus, etc., whose homes were in warm countries, should be put in either in May or early June, or else left until the end of August, or early September. Early planting (end of April and May) was a great advantage for evergreen trees, as they would get well rooted before the cold weather came. In planting shelter it was advisable to consider prevailing winds and to plant tall shelter in thos? positions. On the north and north-east only low hedges should be planted to admit the maximum amount of sunshine. In planting for shelter on a hillside they should not plant right on the .crest, but about 3ft. down the slope; then as the trees matured there would not be a underneath. In very exposed' positions it ’ was advisable to plant a double shelter belt, a tall quick-growing one on the outside and a low more bushy one inside. A good combination was macro- . ' carpa and lawsoniana, barberry and lawsoniana, or in areas exposed to salt winds boxthom and pinus muricate. , Planting around the home should be the first work undertaken. No one could be really happy with a howling southeaster coming in the back door or with the out-buildings in danger of being blown away. If the position was very exposed it was wise to plant tall shelter well back from the buildings, then airow of macrocarpa and finally a row of .lawsoniana. That combination gave perfect shelter over a long period, providing the pines were headed back when young. For quicker shelter around the garden tree lucerne as a temporary hedge with lawsoniana inside was recommended. The former would be cut cut in four or five years. There was much diversity of opinion regarding distances at which to plant trees. Experience had proved the following to give satisfactory results. He advised for escallonia, olearia, abelia or. similar ornamental hedges for around the home, Ift apart; for lawsoniana, macrocarpa or pines that were to be kept trimmed as a low hedge, 1 yard apart; for farm shelter where not trimmed from 4ft to 6ft. apart and when in double rows the same distance between the rows; for low farm hedges boxthom and barberry'could be planted from Bin. to 12in. apart, and for preference on the slope, and with the tops cut well back. Acacia verticillata (prickly acacia) should be planted one foot apart. That in particular should be planted in late August or early September, and should always be well cut back before planting. Trees must be selected according to the aspect and class of country to be planted. For gullies badly infested with high ' weeds large sized trees would be needed; where there was low fern or gorse medium sized trees; whilst in very exposed or clean areas smaller trees could be. utilised.

When preparing ground overgrown with weeds, it was not wise to clear the whole area, but to cut lines about 2ft. wide, taking care they ran opposite the prevailing winds, and leave the intervening rubbish, as that acted as a protection from both frost and wind. The . black soil should be kept separate from - the subsoil ,and the turf put upside down in the hole. Manure if necessary, then put in some black soil, then the tree, more black soil, then firm the tree well. Finally fill the hole with the subsoil,;. which did not require firming. The . subsoil on top was important, as being free from weed seeds it allowed the tree to grow more quickly and saved a lot of cleaning. Trees planted in the winter must be looked over in January and again in the same month of the following year to see that they were not being smothered with weeds. Pinus insignis, macrocarpa and eucalyptus would thrive satisfactorily as long as their tops were above the weeds; in fact weed growth suppressed side branches on timber trees, and thus was an advantage. They should always remember trees were living organisms and must be treated as such. Quality and the reputation of the grower should always be con- . ; sidered before size and price. The roots were of much more importance than the tops, especially with macrocarpa and eucalyptus. A reliable grower always put some moist material around the roots . and if in windy or dry weather moisten the packing as well. When plants arrived from the grower immediately they should moisten the packages and place out of the wind and sun. It was very important to remember that once the roots of many , evergreen trees were exposed to the wind for more than a few minutes they would almost certainly die. This was particularly so with macrocarpa. Trees should never be planted on a very windy day. / - Replying to questions Mr. Davies said i that lawsoniana could be grown from cuttings but these were not so satisfac- ; tory as seedlings. Couch could be era- 'j.' dicated by growing a dense smothering crop. Mr. Davies was accorded a vote of thanks, the chairman remarking that all present had derived valuable information. ' . ' ; Supper was provided by the members of the Women’s Division and they were accorded a vote o| thanks.