Growing Poplar and Willow Trees on Farms, National - FAO

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At the tenth year following planting, trees that are too close or growing poorly can be removed <strong>and</strong> used for fodder <strong>and</strong> firewood. The gaps are then filled with new trees. This process will be repeated every 10-15 years, depending on tree growth, giving a sustainable st<strong>and</strong> of protection planting. Root growth One point about pruning these trees – remember what is happening to the root system below ground when timing the first branch pruning. Joint excavations by AgResearch <strong>and</strong> HortResearch staff have determined poplar root growth at Ballantrae, AgResearch’s hill country research station near Woodville. At five years after planting from poles, poplar roots showed negligible growth (in terms of mass <strong>and</strong> distribution) compared with those at seven years, <strong>and</strong> particularly at nine years. Consider the extent of pruning as well, <strong>and</strong> which parts of the canopy should be pruned. It is important to maintain a good balance between the tree canopy <strong>and</strong> the root system. Pruning poplars for timber Once established poplars can be pruned so that they develop as a timber resource as well as providing those other functions: stabilising soil <strong>and</strong> providing stock shelter <strong>and</strong> shade. <strong>Trees</strong> put on regular growth increments each year. Whorls describe the position on the stem where a group of branches develops. A new whorl forms each year, so the branches at a whorl represent one year’s lateral branch development. As a guide it is advisable to retain three years of green crown (three major whorls) to sustain an acceptable rate of growth. Removing side branches <strong>and</strong> extra leaders promotes tree stem growth, <strong>and</strong> while root response to pruning is not known, the stem response suggests that root development is not greatly retarded. Begin form-pruning trees at around 4 or 5 years after the poles were planted, depending on vigour <strong>and</strong> local wind exposure. At the first pruning reduce the leaders to one strong leader, <strong>and</strong> remove any large ramicorns (steeply angled vigorous branches), as these are likely sites for splitting in old trees. Two 47
years after the first pruning remove the lowest two whorls of branches, <strong>and</strong> then every year thereafter prune off a whorl of branches until there is at least 6 m of clear wood developed to produce a butt log. Keep removing any ramicorns <strong>and</strong> any regrowth on the trunk. Applying this pruning treatment will develop a tree with a straight form <strong>and</strong> a good potential for timber use. Pruning is best carried out towards the end of the growing season (when the foliage can be used for fodder) to minimise epicorms (small shoots that develop on a tree trunk) regrowing on the main stem. Epicorms are an issue in early times of pruning since plenty of light penetrates to the lower levels of the trunk. Cut surfaces dry out quickly too, reducing the likelihood of fungal disease. A telescopic pole saw is excellent for pruning <strong>and</strong> has a blade to undercut the branch first so the bark is not stripped when the branch is cut. Advice from a regional council l<strong>and</strong> management officer will help the l<strong>and</strong>owner to determine the best practice in relation to replacement planting. Managing a poplar shelterbelt <strong>Poplar</strong>s are widely used in shelterbelt plantings. The recommended poplar clone for shelterbelts is ‘Crowsnest’ because of its upright form <strong>and</strong> slower growth. Regular trimming is needed to maintain control of each shelterbelt. It is preferable that a shelterbelt contractor does this using a tractor-mounted trimmer. This equipment consists of one or more rotating saw blades on the end of a hydraulic boom, which easily shapes the sides <strong>and</strong> tops of a shelterbelt <strong>and</strong> develops a good-looking form in a short time. It has to be done at least every other year once the trees are established <strong>and</strong> growing. Shelterbelt pruning 3.7 <strong>Willow</strong> management <strong>Willow</strong>s grow quickly <strong>and</strong> usually with a more open habit than poplars. As the trees age heavy limbs can become distorted while competing with other 48
Page 1 and 2: Growing Po
Page 4 and 5: CONTENTS 1 Poplars
Page 6: Introduction Millions of poplars <s
Page 9 and 10: was reported growing in Marlborough
Page 11 and 12: soils and desert a
Page 13 and 14: Eridano (P. deltoides × maximowicz
Page 15 and 16: ‘Crowsnest’), but are darker gr
Page 17 and 18: Available willow clones Tree willow
Page 19 and 20: managed to avoid heavy side-branchi
Page 22 and 23: 2 Establishing Poplar</stro
Page 24 and 25: The other steps to take before tree
Page 26 and 27: preventative for further slipping.
Page 28 and 29: 2.3 Planting poles Essentials of po
Page 30 and 31: Propagating on-farm material On the
Page 32 and 33: locks with newly planted poles, eve
Page 34 and 35: For converting a wet area to a brow
Page 36 and 37: systems; either as vegetation to be
Page 38 and 39: 3 Managing Poplars
Page 40 and 41: Use the right equipment Experienced
Page 42 and 43: egrowth from the trunk each year. A
Page 44 and 45: They were also stationary. Risers a
Page 46 and 47: Managing browse blocks These are hi
Page 50 and 51: limb growth, leading to breakout <s
Page 52 and 53: Herbicide use There are numerous la
Page 54 and 55: Timing Treatment earlier in the gro
Page 56 and 57: treatment so proceed cautiously <st
Page 58: What about roots thicker than 10 mm
Page 61 and 62: Create a ‘pruning nest’ A tree
Page 63 and 64: 4.3 Pests Possums There can be nume
Page 65 and 66: adult is reluctant to lay eggs on t
Page 67 and 68: lock without trees because a reason
Page 69 and 70: established, the annual growth of e
Page 72 and 73: 7 Further information Public librar
Page 74: Guidelines to help land</st

Growing Poplar and Willow Trees on Farms, National - FAO

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