FOREST PLANTING IN OHIO 



EDMUND SECKEST 



There is ample opportunity for forest planting in Ohio, since 

 the need for planted forests is increasing. This article states 

 briefly the essential information desired by land owners who wish 

 to establish woodlands and shelter belts by planting. 



Where planting is desirable. It is usually preferable to utilize 

 for woodlands the land which is of least value for farming. Many 

 Ohio farms contain areas which for various reasons are idle, or 

 which may not be profitably used for crops or grazing. They may 

 include worn out and eroded fields and pastures, steep slopes with 

 a tendency to erosion, ravines, areas cut off by highways, rail- 

 roads, or ditches, which on account of shape or condition are not 

 desirable for cropping. Overflow lands along streams may be bet- 

 ter suited for timber than for any other purpose. Abandoned 

 fields are numerous in parts of Ohio, which can be satisfactorily 

 returned to timber growth. It is often desirable to reinforce 

 young timber growth by planting where the original trees are not 

 thick enough to form a normal stand, or trees may be planted to 

 fill open spaces in native woodlands, especially when certain species 

 may be desired for special uses. The original woods in some por- 

 tions of the State are almost gone, and the need for windbreaks 

 and shelter belts is being felt in an increasing degree. 



Purpose in planting. It is well for the owner to consider his 

 individual timber needs and to plant the species which will best 

 serve his purpose and that of the community. Post timbers are 

 always in demand and can be grown in a relatively short time. It 

 is just as necessary, however, not to lose sight of the fact that 

 lumber-producing species will be needed, and that the farmer is 

 the heaviest consumer of certain classes of lumber. 



What to plant. The foremost consideration in forest planting 

 is to choose species which are suited to the soils and climatic con- 

 ditions. In Ohio the soils and planting sites vary to a considerable 

 degree and will necessitate the employment of a number of species 

 to meet the requirements. The tendency is to plant species of 

 the highest commercial value. This practice is quite sound if the 

 particular tree desired is adapted to the site on which it is placed. 

 Walnut, basswood, cherry and ash will not thrive on the abandoned 

 fields of parts of southeastern Ohio but they are in many instances 

 adapted to the small waste areas often found in farms of stronger 

 soils in other parts of the State. 



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