TREES TO USE IN STARTING WOODLOTS 57 



are rarely found growing on both a steep north and southern 

 slope. 



Is the tree suited to the soil ? Although soil does not affect 

 trees to the same extent as agricultural crops, the kind of soil 

 is important with many species. Some trees demand a moist 

 fertile soil and will not grow well on any other kind. Whether 

 the soil is limestone or of granite origin may determine in large 

 measure the kinds of trees that will grow. 



Will the tree selected when grown serve the purpose de- 

 sired? Trees are grown in a woodlot for definite purposes, 

 either for lumber, or fuel or fence posts or other uses. Will 

 the form and size of the tree when grown and the character 

 of the wood be suited for the particular use for which it is 

 grown ? Is the tree of fast enough growth to give the product 

 desired in a reasonable time? With trees that are suited to 

 the climate and situation, these questions become of prime im- 

 portance to the woodlot planter. 



Are the trees subject to attacks by insects or disease? 

 There are certain kinds of trees that are known to be seriously 

 damaged and often killed by attacks of insects. There are also 

 trees that are subject to fungus diseases. Only those trees 

 that are able to withstand such attacks should be selected. 



The Use of Trees Native to a Region. — Not all the trees 

 that grow naturally in any particular region are suited for 

 planting in woodlots. Many of them have too slow growth, 

 or do not grow to large enough size, or do not produce wood 

 that is of value for use on the farm. There are, however, no 

 better trees to plant in any region than those that grow nat- 

 urally in that region, provided they will give the product 

 desired. Such trees are suited to the climate and the con- 

 ditions. No mistake can be made in their use. 



In choosing a native tree to plant on a particular site no 

 mistake can be made in following nature. The trees found 

 growing vigorously on a site similar to the one to be planted 

 should be selected. Trees will rarely do well on a site poorer 



