Trees on the Farm

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 654, 4 May 1929, Page 27

Trees on the Farm

Valuable Aid to Production

COMMERCIAL forestry has made rapid progress in New Zealand during the last few years, and over 100,000 acres have been planted by afforestation companies. As yet, however, too little attention has been paid to the planting of trees for farm shelter, and many farmers do not realize that tree planting is a branch of farming which they cannot afford to neglect.

rpHE early settlers of New Zealand "*■ realised the practical value of ttees for protective purposes, and many attained success in tree-plantiug under almost impossible conditions. Small plantations and groves were established about the homesteads, and were gradually extended in the form of shelter belts or single rows of trees to protect larger areas. This ia particularly noticeable in Canterbury, Marlborough, and in some parts of Hawke’s Bay. Unfortunately, the succeeding generations did not carry on the good work systematically, consequently there is hardly a farm in New Zealand which has attained maximum production, owing, largely, to the lack of adequate and efficient shelter.

Shelter belts of trees benefit both the pastures and the stock. They improve the appearance of a property and consequently add to its saleable value. Nothing looks better than a homestead set in judiciously arranged plantations of trees. It may be argued that trees occupy so much land with roots, and cast so much shade, that the farmer loses more than he gains in planting. This important point has been fufy tested by American farmers who, -n many parts, have been forced to plant or cease farming. In Canada, in many parts, on what was once bleak prairie shelter belts of trees are being laid down in increasing acre-

age every year. Farmers there have proved their value. The value of shelter for stock is very clearly demonstrated iu England, where, although the winters are much more severe than in New Zealand, the stock is generally carried through in excellent condition. It is not suggested that the same precautions are necessary in this country, but, having regard to the relative needs of New Zealand, it is surely logical, to suggest that man or beast eats less and thrives more when warm, or, at least, sheltered from the greatest extremes of climate. Yet, on the majority of New Zealand farms, especially in the dairying districts of the Auckland Province, the stock can

bo found sweltering under the lee of a post and wire fence during the hottest days of summer, and shivering on a wind-swept pasture on the coldest days of winter. Tree-planting is not an expensive proposition. Considering the outlay Involved, it is one of the best investments a farmer can make. Why more is not done in this direction by farmers seeking increased production gives rise to much wonder. It would certainly be to the advantage of most farmers to get in touch with the State Forestry Department with a view to procuring one or two of the very valuable bulletins and circulars recently issued on the subject.