|
I had planted small numbers of trees in odd corners of the farm over the years but my knowledge of forestry was strictly limited so I set about learning all I could about the forestry scheme. The few remaining beech and larch on my farm were planted under the R.D.S. forestry scheme of the late 1700s. Ireland then had only a little over 1% forest cover and like today most of that planting was grant-driven. Now many of these trees are reaching the end of their lifespan.
Why Forestry
I looked at the tax-free income, the fact that large areas of the farm would get new fencing, and what species of trees would give the best return. I then laid out the design for the plantation that included some long narrow areas.
When work started, this gave the company in charge some headaches but delivered the maximum shelter and utilised the heaviest of the land which was ideal for ash. This type of lay out has greatly enhanced the appearance of the farm and its suitability as a wildlife habitat. These are real benefits and well thought out planting looks good, benefits stock and crops, makes the best use of the landscape and will increase the sporting and commercial value of a farm.
Help and Advice
Back in the early nineties there was very little help for farmers in terms of independent advice on forestry apart from that provided by Forest Service themselves. The standard contract had not been devised and many so-called experts had opposing points of view, which only added to the confusion. The situation is now greatly improved. Teagasc employs professional foresters to give sound advice on what and where to plant and how to maximise income by using forestry in conjunction with other farm schemes. They also run excellent courses in conjunction with the Forest Service and open days for anyone wishing to plant or just learn more about it. So having made a firm decision to plant I then had to decide how best to go about it.
Get a Contract
Again the options for farmers were limited at that time and the range of professional help available today was not readily available then. Due to other commitments, which I had at the time, I mandated the planting and maintenance to a company and in the Autumn of 1994 we agreed a hard fought deal and signed the contract. Planting commenced the following spring. The forester in charge naturally wanted straight lines for ease of fencing but I wanted bends and curves which are more pleasing to the eye. He would lay out flags for the fencing team to follow and I would then move them to eliminate lines and sharp angles.
This was the beginning of a long battle, mostly good humored but a battle just the same. I cannot emphasize too strongly that if forestry work has been mandated to an individual or company then it is up to each farmer to firmly lay down the rules regarding what he wants and stick to them. Otherwise you end up with potential financial headaches, a poorly established plantation and trees that will probably end their days as firewood. If you are not doing the work yourself, a good, legally binding contract is essential and you must also learn enough about forestry to know whether the different tasks are being carried out correctly or not. Either that or employ a qualified consultant to act independently for you.
Managing the Plantation
The control of grass and weeds around the young trees causes the biggest problems. Everyone wants this job done at the same time and if the weather is not suitable then difficulties will arise. After one disappointing season where I watched young beech being smothered by vigorous grass growth I knew this could not be allowed to continue.
I insisted that the spraying team move in with glyphosate at the end of March for two successive seasons rather than waiting until late April or May which was the more usual practice then. The results were excellent and proved the need to give young trees a clean start, free of competition in the early months of the year. Most forestry knowledge and experience in Ireland had been gained in the past from growing conifers on marginal land. Growing broadleaves on productive grass-land was a new challenge for most foresters and the difficulties in managing rampant grass and weed growth caught many by surprise. Good management practice has now been well worked out and anyone planting in the future has clear guidelines to follow.
Shaping was the next task and it was so important that I decided to do it myself rather than end up blaming others. This is hard work, but essential, and one shaping is definitely not enough. I have now reached the stage where we have started to thin the ash and have to date completed 8 ha.
Forestry Benefits
Looking at the progress of the plantations now I can say that I am only sorry the forestry scheme was not available twenty years earlier. Some of the ash is already over 20 feet tall and some beech and oak not far behind. There could well be some valuable timber for sale here in forty years time. The bird and general wildlife population on the farm has increased noticeably and the livestock are also benefiting from the shelter.
Match Species to Site
It is vital to match species to site. This sounds so obvious but time and again I have seen trees struggling to survive on unsuitable sites where other species would thrive. There are instances of this on my own land where beech cannot handle the extreme conditions of some of the heavier wetter areas where they were planted. These small sections have now been planted up with alder which are growing away happily. My only regret is that I did not plant more conifers on these poorer areas of my farm. They bring life and warmth to a winter landscape and a quicker cash return to balance the long wait for the more valuable broadleaves. There are few farms that would not benefit from even a small area planted. Remember that this scheme may not always be with us and the opportunity to establish an appreciating asset such as timber, free of charge should not be ignored.
While you are at it plant in the odd yew, walnut or whatever takes your fancy.A mature walnut is worth up to €5000. One good mature cherry can be worth the same as half an acre of average Sitka spruce. Just go out and do it.
|
Why Plant Trees 
