The farm and the woodlot

by J. E. Barton

2. Taking of Stock. The next step in the regeneration of our woodland is to find out the extent and character of the stock on hand, for we can not proceed intelligently without this knowledge. This taking of stock may be a purely ocular process or it may be a detailed estimate and description, depending on the extent of the woodland and the desires of the owner. All reproduction should be accounted for as well as the older stock on hand. The taking of stock should also involve the division of species into desirable and undesirable species, by desirable species being meant such species as it is desired to encourage because of the demand for it in the local market or because of the use which may be made of it by the owner on his farm. The desirable species will usually include the fast growing species.

3. Removal of Undesirable Species and Trees. The first actual work in connection with the regeneration of the woodlot is the removal of undesirable species. When this is undertaken the local market and other markets should be carefully studied in order that, if possible, a sale may be found for the material which is removed, so that the work may pay for itself. In determining what are undesirable species there are several factors which will govern and no specific list of trees can be cited. The desire of the owner, the market for the material, rapidity of growth and other features are among the important considerations. Such trees as blue beach, horn beam, red bud, service berry and others have no rightful place in a woodlot since they take up space without furnishing any product of value, unless the wooded area is desired for its aesthetic features. In a woodlot which is maintained for fence posts and fuel it would be poor policy to retain any but those species which make good fence post material and fuel and grow rapidly. In this matter, common sense will go a long way. Also badly suppressed trees, malformed and diseased or infected individuals should be removed as far as practicable.

4. Selection of Desirable Species. In the selection of desirable species there are a large number of considerations, and the first of these is the purpose of the owner in maintaining the woodlot. For instance, if the owner desires fence posts, and fencing material, his woodlot will, in Kentucky, be confined to those species which produce such material quickly, as for example black locust, catalpa, chestnut and walnut, also it will be well to have a percentage of red cedar (juniper) in the mixture, for since red cedar grows comparatively slowly, it may be reserved to be cut as the second crop and will serve to shade the ground and prevent erosion when the faster growing species have been cut and during the restocking of the area. If fuel as well as fence post material is desired, a mixture including hickory, oak and chestnut would be desirable. If ties, posts, poles or other products are an object, certain species are desirable and are easily grown. A list of trees suitable for various purposes is herewith given. No species are included in this list which will not produce marketable material repeatedly within the lifetime of a single individual. Only in unusual cases is the raising of trees for lumber recommended as a feasible or profitable venture for the individual farm owner.

Fence posts and fencing material—Black locust, catalpa, chestnut, walnut, oak, red cedar (juniper).

Fuel—Oak, hickory, maple, chestnut.

Poles—Chestnut, catalpa, red cedar.

Ties—Black locust, catalpa, chestnut, walnut, oak.

Vehicle material and handle stock—Hickory.

5. Methods of Regeneration. There are several things which must be done to secure a good forest over the area. If natural seeding is to be depended upon for reproduction, the ground must be prepared to receive the seed. Sometimes the sod will be so thick over the area that seeds get no chance to generate. In this case, the sod should be plowed up, if possible, or harrowed so that the seeds may have a suitable opportunity to start. To do well, it is necessary that the seeds and seedlings have easy access to the mineral soil. It may be that the ground is so shaded that seedlings do not receive the necessary sunlight. If this be so, sufficiently large openings should be made in the forest cover to admit the required light. It may be that natural seeding does not proceed rapidly enough and that this must be supplemented by the sowing of seed artificially. When artificial sowing is resorted to it will be found that there are several methods of sowing which recommend themselves: broadcast, sowing in prepared rows, sowing in prepared seed spots and sowing with a corn planter either in rows or spots. This last method is recommended as being usually most satisfactory and economical. Sowing with a corn planter can be resorted to only in the case of small seeds. Large seeds, such as walnuts, hickory nuts, etc., must be planted by hand, but when this is done they are liable to be eaten by squirrels or other rodents, in which case it may be necessary to plant such seeds in small protected seed beds and then transplant the seedlings to the place where they are desired.

If planting is to be depended upon for reforesting, the nursery stock obtained should be small seedlings not over one or two years old or transplants two to three years old. If the amount of planting to be done is large, it may be wise to start seed beds close to the ground where the planting is to be done and not to depend on commercial nurseries for stock.