Trees on the Farm Planning a Woodlot

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 90, Issue 4, 15 April 1955, Page 409

Trees on the Farm Planning a Woodlot

IN those parts of New Zealand where the land is generally regarded as "too good for " forestry" it is likely that the shelter motive will predominate in any tree plantings made on farms. However, even on such farms there are usually places which could be more economically planted in trees than farmed in any other way. On marginal lands the allocation of areas to the growing of trees is frequently on a more generous scale, particularly when it is realised that land marginal for agricultural or pastoral purposes may be good tree growing land. However, it must be emphasised that any poor land is not necessarily "good enough for trees"; a much safer generality is that "land which has once borne trees will do so again". This article on planning a woodlot is the second in a series on trees on the farm by W. H. Jolliffe, Officer-in-charge, Extension Forestry, New Zealand Forest Service. The first article appeared in last month's "Journal".

COME of the many matters requiring consideration in preparation for the establishment of a woodlot are: The extent and location of the area which can or . should be devoted to the growing of: trees. The purpose of the planting: Whether for timber, fencing materials, or firewood; to prevent or combat erosion; for shelter or beautification, or a combination of one or more of these purposes. ■ ■. ... Site factors such as altitude, topography, aspect, soil, climate, and the vegetative cover already present. The source of tree stocks; whether by purchase or by home growing. .

Whether or not proper silvicultural treatment can be given to the stand once it is planted. On fairly intensively farmed land the area allotted to tree growing will generally be small and will include steepish sidelings and perhaps awkwardly placed areas of gorse, broom, and bracken; the area will frequently be on outcrops of poorer soil and will include portions of irregular shape, such as the corners where three or four paddocks meet. Often the intending planter will purchase his young trees from a nurseryman and though radiata pine and one or two more staple lines may be obtainable at short notice, other species frequently will not. Commer-

cial nurserymen will grow what the customer , requires provided they know beforehand what his requirements are. Therefore stock should be ordered well in advance, particularly if the species is one that is not commonly grown. Information on propagation of trees in a farm nursery will be given in a later article. ■ The choice of species will be governed by the purpose of the woodlot and by the site, and the species chosen and the likelihood .of future treatment will determine planting distances. At the same time consideration must be given to certain legal requirements in relation to tree planting. Restrictions, on PlantingTree planting in New Zealand is comparatively free of . controls, but there are certain statutory restrictions. Noxious Weeds Act 1950: This Act provides that certain trees may be declared noxious weeds in any specified locality. The First Schedule includes the following tree species: Crack, grey, and pussy willows, silver poplar, hakeas, and hawthorn. Before planning to plant any of these trees a farmer should find out from his local county council or Livestock Instructor if they have been declared noxious in his locality. ' * Boundaries Fencing Act 1908: Trees or hedges may not be planted or sown along any boundary line until the written consent of the owner or occupier of the adjoining land has been obtained, whether the area is privately owned, Crown land, public reserve, or a railway track.

Roads Public Works Act 1928: Trees or hedges which are detrimental to the maintenance of any road or street or endanger any' traffic or are likely to do so during storms can be totally or partly , removed if the owner does not do so when requested by the local authority. Before trees are planted near a road the ultimate size and shape of the proposed species should be considered. Power and telephone lines Public Works Act 1928 and Post and Telegraph Act 1928: Trees or portions of them endangering or likely to endanger electric lines can be removed if the owner has not already done so when requested by the appropriate authority. Before trees are planted near a power or a telephone line the ultimate height and spread, of the species should be considered; Aerodromes— Works Amendment Act 1935: The allowable height of, any object in the vicinity, of an aerodrome is calculated by reference to gradients (between 1 in 20 and 1 in 50) from the outer, limits of runways. Before trees are planted near an aerodrome advice should be sought from either the Civil Aviation Administration or the Ministry of Works regarding the permissible height in that locality.