TREES FOR SHELTER

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 90, 10 January 1935, Page 5

TREES FOR SHELTER

Planting Hedges on Farms SOME USEFUL VARIETIES (By “Cultivator.”) To follow up last week's article in this column concerning the value of hedges and shelter trees, some information is given this week with regard to the most suitable types of trees for plantation. Much of this information has been culled from a bulletin issued by the Department of Agriculture, and may be accepted as a reliable guide to those farmers who believe the practice worthy of, at least, au experiment. Transverse shelter-hedges planted at suitable intervals will-, afford valuable supplementary shelter in most districts. Indeed, in the more sheltered 'localities and: on the smaller sections, the singleline shelter-hedge may provide all that is required in this way. One type of tree which has grown into high favour as a permanent evergreen for shelter-belts is Lawson’s cypress. It is best grown on medium to good land with a fair rainfall. The young trees should be planted about 3 feet apart. When they mature a dense shelter about 10 feet to 12 feet high is provided. It is thick at the base, which, of course, is a decided advantage. Tapering to the top the hedge once established demands no attention in the way of trimming. Its immunity to troublesome diseases is a feature. On flat country which is inclined to be wet, the Lombardy poplar is popular. Planted rather close, it makes a narrow, effective breakwind, and demands only the minimum of attention. An occasional shortening of the tops is about all that is necessary in the way of care. Its decidupus character is in some instances an advantage. A general improvement to this poplar can be usually brought about by inter-planting with a suitable evergreen shrub to ensure a close bottom growth. As a stock-proof shelter-hedge, it is difficult to go past barberry. There are a great number of varieties in existence, many of which are of poor habit, some being almost deciduous and others carrying heavy crops of seed. On account of the seed problem brought about by birds carrying the seeds to back country, where they grow and spread rapidly, barberry demands close attention so far as clipping to avoid fruit-bearing is concerned. Another shrub which might well be classed under the category of stock-proof is hawthorn. This was planted extensively by the early settlers, but has fallen into disfavour on account of the mild climate of New Zealand making it susceptible to a great number of diseases, many of which also affect orchards and gardens. With other hedge-plants available, which suitably fulfil the requirements of farmers, it is unwise to plant hawthorn. Yet another thorny evergreen is the bovthorn, which is securely cattle-proof. It has been proved to withstand effectively the heavy salt-laden winds which prevail in some coastal districts and arc so destructive to trees generally. On welldrained soil this hedge is very thrifty. The large strong thorns with which it is armed, while effective in holding stock, set a heavy task for any person who has to cut back a neglected hedge. Wounds from these thorns are often serious if neglected.

Though planted extensively by early settlers, gorse is not suitable on account of its tendency to become a serious weed pest. We have ample evidence of its menace in various parts of New Zealand. In exposed situations it quickly forms valuable shelter, and fodder, too, that is of great value in dry seasons, but as a hedge it has been proved insecure owing to the number of gaps that soon develop. In addition to Lawson’s cypress reference should be made to macrocarpa and also to Cnpressus torulosa. On good alluvial land where macrocarpa is sometimes planted it develops into a very large rough shelter, covering a great deal of laud, but is bare about the ground, where shelter is most needed. Under such conditions it is generally unsuitable. On soils of -fair quality Cupressus torulosa is a better tree for the purpose, being of more moderate height with the side branches shorter and more compact. Without any trimming it makes an excellent shelter-hedge. On lighter land the macrocarpa, cypress often does well, and planted in an untrimmed row about three feet apart along a fence line it is often found satisfactory. But with all these cypresses that form such excellent shelter under right conditions, it is necessary that they be fenced 'off from the traffic of stock, which otherwise very soon destroy the lower branches. Hides Market Steady Under date of November 29 Weddel and Co., London, report the hide market continued steady. Argentine li’rigorifico ox hides have been sold in two directions at 59J cents (4 9-16 d.), "This country as well as the Continent aud North America have all participated in the buying and the packers have been able to clear all hides available. If the stock position is kept like this and the demand improves: we foresee a rise, but there does not appear to be much enthusiasm at the moment of writing, yet the market is considered steady in all quarters. The. German position is still giving some anxiety since hides can only be sold in very small quantities to that important buyer. The first sales of hides made on the German-Argentine clearing have been settled for payment by an exchange of marks, so that the system appears to be working satisfactorily. The U.S.A, market is quiet but steady. Colonial’ and miscellaneous sorts have been neglected, and apart from one or two special lines are held for last prices. There is no improvement in leather, which is really the main cause of the slow position on raw material, yet values are firmly held and the tanners show no inclination to give way. ail d the much-reduced import of b ™’’ s '* as ’ < ‘ ti ng tanners in their policy of holding firm.