TREES TO USE IN STARTING WOODLOTS 71 



apart. Norway spruce has also been used extensively, and 

 white cedar is a valuable species for this purpose planted 2 

 by 4 feet. On very sandy soils Scotch pine and Norway pine 

 should be used. Windbreaks are especially needed for orchard 

 protection. 



In the Eastern States white pine, white spruce, Norway 

 spruce, white cedar and hemlock are recommended. Two rows 

 of Norway spruce make a good windbreak when planted about 

 8 by 8 feet apart and the trees alternated in the rows. 



Planting to Prevent Erosion. — In many regions erosion is 

 one of the serious effects of denuding hillsides of tree growth. 

 It not only destroys the value of the soil by stripping off the 

 top layers and by guUeying, but the material washed away is 

 deposited in the streams, impeding navigation, and in times of 

 very high water and floods it may cover fertile lands with 

 gravel and stones, making them worthless. In many regions 

 forests should be maintained for soil protection. Tree plant- 

 ing on abandoned land on the farm is often a necessary opera- 

 tion to prevent erosion. 



Gulleys formed in the soil from erosion can often be 

 stopped by planting trees and shrubs. To do this it is neces- 

 sary to hold the soil in place by some means until the trees get 

 a firm hold on the ground. Brush, logs, stumps and stones 

 can be used for this purpose. The head of the guUey is the 

 important point. If the headward gnawing can be stopped 

 the gulley can usually be controlled by planting. Brush should 

 be piled with the tops up stream and held in place by stakes. 

 Back of the dam formed trees and shrubs should be planted. 

 These should be of large size, so that they will not easily be 

 washed out of the ground. Black locust is one of the best 

 trees to plant, as it fills the soil with a network of roots and 

 will send up new trees from the roots. Willow is often used, 

 and any fast-growing tree Hke cottonwood should prove valu- 

 able. Shrubs planted along the edges of the gulley will pre- 

 vent its growing larger. 



