Reforestation of Cut Over and Idle Lands 13 



THE IMPROVEMENT OF WOODLANDS AND FARM WOODLOTS. 



It may be that there is already a sort of forest growth on these idle 

 lands. If there is, it will pay to handle it properly. Thus far in this 

 State, we have been using the accumulation of years of growth with- 

 out thought for future growth. Little or no provision is being made 

 for a second crop. Where a second growth is coming on, too little 

 thought is being given to it. No forest can be continued permanently 

 unless satisfactory reproduction is secured and proper conditions 

 maintained. 



The grove or woodlot, as timber on the farm is usually called, may 

 be so open that the trees retain their limbs well down towards the 

 ground, making it impossible to produce anything but knotty timber. 

 It may be so open that leaf mold, so necessary to proper conditions of 

 growth will not decompose properly and grass and weeds and brush 

 will come in and occupy the ground. It is all too often in such 

 neglected condition that reproduction is impossible and then the only 

 thing that can be done is to cut off the present growth and start a new 

 forest from the beginning. It may be possible at times to thicken up 

 the woodlot by underplanting or to change the condition to such an 

 extent that self-seeding will be successful. This natural reproduction 

 will often take place easily if stock is kept out of the woodlot. No 

 reproduction can be expected if land is pastured. The wood lot may 

 be so dense that the trees crowd each other so severely that growth 

 is checked and the trees do not develop. Eventually a certain number 

 must die and the others continue to maturity. This struggle which 

 causes the death of many young trees may be lessened in intensity 

 to the great benefit of the woodlot by taking out enough trees so that 

 those which are left will put on a much larger amount of wood because 

 of additional space and light. 



Many woodlots are made up of a great variety of species, a large 

 proportion of which are of little value and should be removed to give 

 room to the more valuable sorts. The composition and thus the value 

 of an entire woodlot may be greatly improved and increased by 

 simply taking out the so-called forest weeds, such as Ironwood, Red 

 Maple, Dogwood, Juneberry, Hawthorn and others. 



Unfortunately nearly all of the conditions described above are found 

 in woodlots in every county in the State. Several may be found in 

 any one farm forest. Look through woodlot or timberland ! Is there 

 a tree there under 25 years of age? If not, is it not because you have 

 pastured it or have allowed surface fires to run through annually? 



