Success in tree planting

Title

Language

English

Year

1955

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

Success in Tree 1Jlanting * By R. H. ANDERSON, B. Sc. Agr. Successful tree planting depends on: ( 1) selection of a suitable species; ( 2 ) preparation of the ground; ( 3) correct planting methods; and ( 4) adequate after-care. Choice of Species-A tree must be suited to the condition of the planting site, taking into consideration the nature of the soil, local climatic conditions, available moisture supply, drainage, etc., affecting the health and vigor of the tree. Ground Preparation - Planting trees in rows or singly: When planting trees in rows for avenues or windbreaks, it is desirable to plough as deeply and widely as possible, without mixing the various strata of soils. A ploughed strip from six to eight feet wide is desirable. In planting single trees, the holes should be as wide and deep as possible. A diameter of at least 3 feet and a depth of 18 inches is desirable. but care should be taken that the top soil and sub-soil are not mixed, replacing them in the same order. Planting Methods-Plants received from nurseries can be divided into four main groups: ( 1) Plants in 4-inch pots, metal tubes, or cardboard containers. Unless planted immediately, the plants should be placed in a sheltered spot and kept watered until required for planting. After removing the plants from the containers they should be placed in the center of the hole and the soil lightly tamped down. The soil around the roots should not be disturbed in any way. (2) Open-rooted or bare-rooted plants. (Applicable only to cold climate countries.) (3) Balled plants Some plants are received wrapped in hessian or similar material. These should be planted out immediately or kept moist in a sheltered spot until required. A hole is opened to accommodate the plant without removing the hessian, but merely to loosen it from around the stem of the plant. The roots remain undisturbed and the hessian soon rots. ( 4) Advanced plants in tins. A hole should be prepared as closely as possible to the right depth. The plant must be removed from the tin, and this is usually done by cutting down two or three corners with a suitable instrument, avoiding damage to the root system. The plant is then placed in the hole without disturbing the soil. In a11 the above cases it is desirable to water the plants thoroughly before planting and allow them to drain before removing from the pots or other containers. It is essential to water the plants well after planting, leaving a shallow saucer-like depression around the plant which helps subsequent wa!_ering. On no account should the soil be heaped around the plant to form a raised mound. Alter-Care. The first two years or so after planting constitute the critical period and make all the difference between success and failure. These steps must be carried out for the care of the plants: watering, cultivation, protection from wind, and pruning. Watering. Regular attention is required during hot dry weather until the trees are well established. The frequency of watering depends naturally on the rainfall, but it should be remembered that one good soaking is better than several light waterings. *Condensed fro~ AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE of New South Wales, February 1955. JULY, 1955 Pa1e 37 A mulch of manure, dried grass, or eve·n gravel helps to conserve moisture in drier districts. Cultivation. Young trees require cultivation to keep down weeds, to conserve. soil moisture, and to maintain good soil conditions. Single trees can be cultivated with ordinary garden tools, but large scale plantings, such as avenues and windbreaks, require attention with a cultivator or rotary hoe. Protection from Wind. In exposed positions the young trees may need protection from wind until they are established. Hessian or tea-tree cover can be fastened to stakes to give protection against wind from the worst quarters, but it is not advisable to enclose the plants completely as they would tend to become spindly and drawn up. Pruning. It is seldom necessary to prune in the early stages of growth. In most cases the growing tree is required to develop a sufficient length of clean trunk and a wellbalanced crown, and this can be produced by careful pruning once the young trees are firmly established. As the young trees develop, some pruning is necessary to produce a well-balanced crown. No hard and fast rules can be given, but the object is to obtain the future framework by removing unwanted branches while young and by shortening tips where necessary. FOR NEW THOUGHTS Every boy and girl in school should read one useful book a month. It should be a book of travel, or of adventure, if the adventure is concerning a new people, and gives information. Or it might be a craftbook, which teaches a new hobby, or a useful art. Or it might be a scientific bookon stars, or botany, or some interesting facts concerning inventions. Or it might be a book of history. Be certain you read one interesting and useful book a month. Don't try one a week with your school work and other obligations. But twelve books ~ year will cause you to be far better informed than the average boy or &irl of today. Page 38 EDUCATION ... (Continued from paAe 28) organization may take over the planting. In consultation with forestry experts they can draw a plan for their woodland park. Some advanced work can be done by leaders to designate places for planting. Then on Arbor Day young people of the town can organize a mass picnic and mass planting of trees. Everyone can then set up a sign with his name to mark the tree he planted. He shall be held responsible for the care of those trees. Other outings can be organized in three month intervals to check up on the growth of the plants and to keep up members' interest. As I said before, the possibilities are endless, but you will notice they have these points in common which project leaders would do well to remember: First, the goals are definite and realizable within a short period. Second, the emphasis is not just on a good start but on a continuing enthusiasm kept up by a carefully planned check-up system; Third, projects stimulate interest by offering rewards and recognition for achievement; Fourth, and most important, project leaders do serious and detailed pre-planning before they start the project and do not stop working until it is completed. The job of reforestation is a big one but there are no insurmountable obstacles before us. If the government and the people work together with well-directed devotion to the cause, there is no reason why we cannot accomplish wonders. LOYALTY If you work for a man, in heaven's name work for him! If he pays you wages that supply you your bread and butter, work for him. Speak well of him, thing well of him, stand by him, and stand by the institution he represents. If I worked for a man, I would not work for him part of the time, and the rest of time work against him, I would give an undivided service or more. If put of the pinch an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. -Hubbard FORESTRY LEAVES

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