23 



3. Where the climate and soil conditions are favorable for 

 tree growth' and the nature of the cover will permit it, the land 

 is not plowed and no holes are dug. The land is simply broken 

 with a kipikua or mattock, the tree is set in the slit, and the soil 

 is pressed back around the tree. 



Spacing the Trees. 



The question of spacing the trees properly is a very important 

 one, and deserves close attention, since the success of the plan- 

 tation for the purpose for which it was intended may depend 

 on the distance apart at which the trees were set out. Wide 

 spacing favors diameter growth and wide branching, while close 

 spacing stimulates good height growth, favors the development 

 of straight trunks free from branches, decreases the danger from 

 windfall, and interferes with the growth of weeds and obnox- 

 ious undergrowth. If, however, the trees are planted too close 

 together, proper growth is interfered with and the trees tend to 

 become tall and spindling. Between these two extremes there 

 is what may be termed an optimum spacing, which will result in 

 the most desirable height and form of a tree as well as in the 

 best diameter growth. Such spacing utilizes the land to the 

 greatest advantage. 



If trees are to be grown in windy situations, it is essential that 

 they should be planted close together, the spacing recommended 

 being 5 by 5 or at most 5 by 6. In case of exposure to very 

 strong winds, or if the planting is done in a narrow strip, still 

 closer spacing may be desirable, depending on the number of 

 rows of trees planted. Spacing the trees 3 feet apart may not 

 be too close if only one row of trees is planted ; if two, three or 

 four rows are planted, the trees may be set out 4 feet apart, 

 placing the trees in the alternate rows in the middle of the space 

 between the trees in the immediately adjacent rows. Wide spac- 

 ing in windy situations will result not only in poor growth but 

 in a high percentage of windfall. 



The purpose for which the planting is done will also have to 

 be taken into consideration in deciding on the proper spacing of 

 the trees. A grove planted to shelter cattle will be much wider 

 spaced than one established primarily for the purpose of grow- 

 ing the best quality of lumber or for watershed protection. In 

 general, it has been found that most of the planting done in Ha- 

 waii has been too widely spaced. If there is any doubt as to 

 proper spacing, it is better to set out the trees too closely than 

 too wide apart, especially in the more windy situations, for if it 



