PLANTING TREES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20672, 10 March 1937, Page 3

PLANTING TREES

PROVIDING FOR THE FUTURE ENHANCING THE VALUE OF LAND Tree planting, quite apart from the viewpoint of beauty, may be made to serve three purposes. Firstly, the trees provide much-needed shade for the stock during the heat of the Summer; secondly, the presence of well-timbered country ensures adequate supplies of timber for farm requirements, and, thirdly, on properties where there is an abundance of trees there is also an abundance of firewood.

One of the mast important aspects of providing sufficient timber* on a property is the benefit which is obtained through giving required shelter to the stock. It has been estimated that apathy on some of the cold areas in regard to planting regularly costs the owners of the properties concerned a large percentage of their potential incomes. On the other hand, once adequate shelter is provided, the stock is protected from the cold winds during the Winter and from the extreme heat of the sun during the Summer months. It is a well-founded belief that stock eat less and thrive better when kept warm. For this reason alone the provision of sufficient shelter on a property is more than justified. Warmth Essential Warmth is also essential to ensure the rich growth of the pastures. There are many farmers who have experienced complete failures in their endeavours to establish healthy pastures on windswept faces, not from the failure to use superior seed, but from the complete lack of protection afforded. From the aspect of pasture production, it has to be realised that shelter combats evaporation from sun and wind to a marked degree. Among the trees most favoured for shelter belt purposes in New Zealand in the past have been pines and cypresses, with the eucalyptus and acacias next in order of popularity In regard to the pine trees, the most popular is the pinus radiata, or insignia, which has the advantage of being rapidly established. It is also a rapid growth and an excellent and prolific source of firewood supplies, while its timber is also quite useful. A plantation consisting solely of pines, however, has the disadvantage that when approaching maturity they are liable to thin out at the base and thus provide inadequate protection at ground level. Looking to the Future Possessing the advantage that they renew themselves when cut, the eucalypts are coining into greater favour as windbreaks. The farmer who plants gums is looking to the future, but he is leaving behind him an excellent source of farm timber supplies for his successors. With the heavy diminution of native woods, such as totara and pourere, for farm fencing requirements, there will be a heavy call ’ upon homegrown timber for fencing purposes within the course of the next few years, and the farmer who has already made provisions for supplies in this respect will reap the benefit. For the farmer who wishes to grow trees that will produce durable timber for fencing and other farm purposes in the shortest possible space of time, macrocarpa and thorny acacia would seem to be the trees indicated, since they are probably the only varieties which will produce durable fencing posts in under 20 years. Even these farmers, however, would be wise to plant eucalypts as well, with an eye to farm requirements in future years. Reverting to the subject of protecti >n which is afforded pastures through the existence of an adequate timber supply, it has been established that a well-grown shelter belt will provide good shelter on the leeward side for a distance equal to five times it.' own height, and partial protection for a distance fifteen times its height. There is also a distinct benefit on the windward side of the plantation, owing to the fact that the presence of the trees acts as a break for the air currents.