220 the farmers' handbook 



TREES FOR SHADE AND SHELTER. 



One thing that strikes the observer about the homes of many of our farmers 

 and settlers is the absence of shelter or shade trees. Everyone will readily 

 admit that the country homestead where judicious tree-planting or preserva- 

 tion of natural trees has been practised, has a more attractive appearance 

 than the bare, sun-burnt, wind-swept spot unfortunately so commonly met 

 with. Nor has the necessity of conserving or planting shade and shelter trees 

 in the subdivision paddocks yet received the attention that it deserves. 



That shade and shelter is appreciated by man and beast is beyond dispute. 

 Apart from naturally timberless country, the bare appearance of the home- 

 stead and of the open, wind-swept paddocks is due to various causes. Want 

 of foresight in the original clearing operations, and lack of knowledge of what 

 kind of trees will grow and provide the desired shade and shelter, are probably 

 the chief causes. 



The stock-owner should recognise the value of shade and shelter. A 

 little rough hill on the property, covered with stunted gum-trees, is worth 

 more to the farmer as it stands for shelter purposes than the small amount of 

 grass it will grow should he decide to have it rung. To the settlers in 

 naturally clear country, judicious planting is a necessity. Some of our native 

 trees lend themselves for shelter purposes admirably, while some species from 

 other parts of the world adapt themselves to the same purpose. 



Preparatory Work. 



Before planting, the ground should be well worked to a depth of 12 to 15 

 inches. Where this can be done by ploughing and subsoiling the initial cost 

 for shelter breaks is reduced. The area proposed to be planted should be 

 broken up early in the autumn months, leaving the surface rough. When 

 ready to plant, the harrows should be run over it. If the ploughing has been 

 done early in the season, the ground should now be in good tilth and in 

 proper working condition. 



Open out holes sufficiently large to give room to spread the roots of the 

 young trees evenly. In opening out the holes, put the surface soil on one 

 side. When refilling the hole, the surface soil should be again put on top. 

 Nothing is gained by bringing up the subsoil to the surface round the young 

 plant. Loosen the subsoil as much as possible, but leave it underneath the 

 surface. 



Planting Operations. 



The distance apart that the trees should be planted for shelter belts 

 varies considerably with the variety of tree to be planted. However, the 

 distance apart is not of such vital importance in shelter belts; the object is 

 to get a breakwind as quickly as possible. Close planting forms a denser 

 shelter than more open planting, but if the trees are to develop, thinning 

 out must be done in the future. Thin early, before the bottom branches die 

 off. 



Assuming that the area to be planted is now ready, and the young trees 

 are at hand, carefully spread the roots evenly in the hole. Fill in with 

 surface soil, and tramp the ground firmly round. If water is available, leave 

 a slight depression round the tree ; put a spadeful of soil round the collar or 



