Tree Distribution Under the Kinkaid Act 5 



diately after the frost leaves the ground, so that the trees can get 

 the full benefit of the spring rains 



SPECIES TO PLANT 



There are several trees suitable for planting in this district, and a 

 brief discussion of the characteristics of each is given to assist the 

 planter in selecting those which will best suit his particular needs. 



Those which are likely to give the best satisfaction are the conifer- 

 ous or " evergreen " trees. Western yellow pine, Scotch pine, Aus- 

 trian pine, jack pine, and red cedar will grow in this region. Some 

 of the hardwoods (deciduous or broadleaf trees) that will grow are 

 Cottonwood (fig. 5), American elm, honey locust, hackberry, green 

 ash, Russian olive, Chinese elm, and black walnut. 



Hardwoods require more moisture and better soil than pines, and 

 also require cultivation to insure success. Most of the land in the 

 Kinkaid district is characterized by a sandy soil which can not be 



Fig. 5. — Cottonwood plantation at the University of Nebraska substation, North 



Platte, Nebr. 



safely cultivated because of blowing. It is therefore obvious that 

 pines, which do not have to be cultivated, are in general best suited 

 to the region and that hardwoods should be employed only where the 

 better grades of soil are found or where some local conditions favor 

 their growth. In addition, evergreens make a more satisfactory wind- 

 break, because the foilage remains on the trees throughout the year. 

 The timber produced is also of better grade than that of the ordinary 

 hardwoods grown in the sand hills. 



The degree of success that will follow planting depends largely 

 on the care exercised in selecting the site on which the trees are 

 planted. Some trees will do better on a north slope, others on a 

 ridge; most of the hardwood species will succeed best in the bottoms. 

 The man who expects to get results must consider the requirements 

 of the different species he is planting. 



All of these species are not available every year, but so far as 

 possible trees best suited to the land to be planted are sent to each 

 applicant. No fruit trees are furnished from this nursery. 



