43 



The tree is a tap rooter and, as a result, is more difficult 

 to handle in planting than those with a spreading root system. 

 It is well adapted for planting in the drier portions of the state, 

 although in these localities the growth is somewhat slower. 

 It is a tree which thrives 011 rocky locations both in Europe and 

 in this country. 



The Wood: The wood is coarse, soft, rather brittle and of 

 inferior value. It is not durable except after treatment with a 

 preservative. The wood has been used very little in the United 

 States, although if grown in sufficient amount would make a 

 very satisfactory rough lumber which might be utilized for 

 box boards, crating material or other purposes where great 

 strength is not essential. 



Planting'. The Austrian pine has already been used to a 

 considerable extent for windbreaks and shelterbelts in Iowa. 

 It has invariably given good results. Like most of the pines, 

 it is a light demanding tree and in planting with other species 

 care should be taken not to overtop it with a faster growing 

 species. For single or double rows the trees should be spaced 

 10 to 15 feet apart close enough to interlace the branches 

 somewhat. By spacing the rows from 12 to 15 feet apart, suf- 

 ficient light will reach the trees for good growth. Seedling 

 trees of this species have undesirable tap roots, consequently, 

 for best results, use transplanted stock, preferably 10 to 12 

 inches in height. 



The Austrian pine is not recommended generally for com- 

 mercial plantations in the state, altho, like the western yellow 

 pine, its peculiar qualifications make it desirable for use in re- 

 stricted areas where other more desirable trees can not be 

 successfully grown. 



For ornamental planting, the growth, form of the trees and 

 appearance of the foliage, place this species in the class with 

 red and western yellow pine. The tree is very commonly used 

 for lawn planting. 



SCOTCH PINE (Finns sylvestris) 



The Tree'. Like the Austrian pine, the Scotch pine was 

 brought from Europe for planting in this country. In Iowa 

 it has been planted more widely than any other evergreen 

 tree. In its native haunts, on good soil situations, it makes a 

 fine tree of good form, but in Iowa a large majority of the 

 trees show a crooked growth after they become 20 or 25 years 

 old. It is commonly thot that the poor form of these trees 

 has resulted from using seed which has been collected from 

 the low formed trees in Europe. Altho the Scotch pine has 

 been very serviceable in Iowa for windbreaks and shelter- 

 belts, it is probable that a number of other evergreens would 

 have given equally quick results and at the name time the 



