Growing Poplar and Willow Trees on Farms, National - FAO

Introduction
Millions of poplars <strong>and</strong> willows have been planted on farms in recent decades,
usually supplied through regional councils for stabilising erosion-prone hill
country, providing shelter <strong>and</strong> shade for farm livestock, vista, resolving drainage
problems <strong>and</strong>, in some regions, as a source of supplementary fodder during dry
summer months. However, l<strong>and</strong> management officers are now finding that
untended trees on farms can become large <strong>and</strong> a liability, so they are
encouraging farmers to manage tree size by regular pruning.
The participants in this Sustainable Farming Fund project have developed these
guidelines to help l<strong>and</strong>owners grow <strong>and</strong> manage poplar <strong>and</strong> willow trees on their
l<strong>and</strong> for various purposes as part <strong>and</strong> parcel of farm management.
<strong>Poplar</strong> <strong>and</strong> willow trees add considerable beauty to farm l<strong>and</strong>scapes <strong>and</strong> can
encourage bird life. Other contributions could also include timber, farm nutrient
management, absorbing greenhouse gases, especially methane, <strong>and</strong> for carbon
credits.
To manage poplar <strong>and</strong> willow tree size effectively, a l<strong>and</strong>owner should use the
appropriate equipment <strong>and</strong> be adequately trained in tree pruning <strong>and</strong> felling
operations, or should employ contractors to maintain individual trees <strong>and</strong>
shelterbelts. An attempt is made in this booklet to develop ‘best practice
protocols’ for establishing <strong>and</strong> managing willow <strong>and</strong> poplar trees <strong>and</strong> using
them wisely once they are growing well.
Much of the following information has been supplied by farmers <strong>and</strong> other
l<strong>and</strong>owners, <strong>and</strong> regional council l<strong>and</strong> management officers, <strong>and</strong> is based on
practical experiences learned through trial <strong>and</strong> error. The efforts <strong>and</strong>
contributions of all participants are much appreciated. We hope that these
guidelines will help farmers <strong>and</strong> other l<strong>and</strong> managers seeking information to
improve their properties in a natural <strong>and</strong> sustainable way.
Deric Charlton, Communications Manager, Palmerston North
Ian McIvor, HortResearch, Palmerston North
Peter Gawith, Project Leader, Longbush, Wairarapa
Grant Douglas, Project Manager, AgResearch, Palmerston North
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