Reprinted May 6, 1909. 



United States Department of Agriculture, 



FOREST SERVICE Circular No. 37. 



GIFFORD PINCHOT, Forester. 



FOREST PLANTING IN THE SAND-HILL REGION OF NEBRASKA, 



SPECIES SUITABLE FOR PLANTING. 



Experiments in growing pine trees in the sand hills of Nebraska have 

 been attended with results which warrant the belief that they may be 

 planted with success in this region. Western yellow and jack pine are 

 the most promising species for the purpose. Seedlings of these species 

 are being extensively planted by the Forest Service, Department of Agri- 

 culture, on the Nebraska National Forest on Dismal River. In the spring 

 of 1905 a number of ranchmen in widely scattered localities in the sand- 

 hill country planted experimentally a small number of jack-pine seed- 

 lings. Authentic reports from nearly all of these plantations show that 

 the great majority of them have been successful. Only two failures 

 have been reported, and it seems probable that these were due to 

 unfavorable local conditions. The Bruner plantation, in the south- 

 western part of Holt County, furnishes further proof of the adaptability 

 of jack pine to the sandy soils of the region. The plantation was estab- 

 lished in the spring of 1890, and the best trees are now from 18 to 30 

 feet high. The grove is free from insect pests and in general is in 

 excellent condition. Western yellow pine (bull pine), although not as 

 fast growing as jack pine, is longer lived and a more valuable tree when 

 mature. For planting it is equally well adapted to the region. 



SECURING PLANT MATERIAL. 



Seedlings of jack pine and yellow pine of suitable size for planting 

 in the sand hills can be obtained from several dealers. The Forest 

 Service will furnish upon request a list of such dealers, with the prices 

 at which plant material of the proper size is quoted. Planting leaflets, 

 giving general directions for the planting and care of these trees, will 

 also be sent without charge. 



Most of the jack pine seedlings sold are wild stock collected in Min- 

 nesota or Wisconsin. They are usually 3 to 5 years old, and should be 

 5 to 10 inches high. The yellow pine is usually nursery grown, and 

 should be not less than 2, and preferably 3, years old when planted. 

 The trees should be ordered in March, with instructions to have them 

 shipped as soon as possible after April 15. Seeds also can be obtained 

 from dealers. Home production of seedlings is not advisable unless 

 extensive planting is contemplated. 



WHERE TO PLANT. 



Experience shows that planting on north slopes gives the best results. 

 South and southwest slopes are subject to a greater degree of heat, and 



