The Rural Voice, 1993-12, Page 54Seven steps to
successful tree
establishment
Landowners are realizing
advantages and benefits to planting
trees on their farms and increasing
woodlot productivity. Young trees
require similar inputs and
management as agricultural crops, to
ensure a healthy and vigorous stand.
Certain species of trees should not
be expected to do well in soils where
agricultural crops have done poorly.
It is important that young trees be
properly cared for in the first few
years of development to guarantee
survival. Following is a guide for
landowners who will be planting
trees in windbreaks, block plantation
and on highly erodible land.
1. Determine the purpose of the
planting. Certain species of trees
have natural characteristics which
make them better suited for use in a
windbreak, gully or woodlot.
2. Time of planting: Early spring is
most favourable to plant trees in
southern Ontario, once the frost is
out of the ground. In dry years,
more trees will survive if planted
earlier in the season.
3. Match tree selection to site
conditions. Factors such as pH, soil
texture (amount of sand, silt and
clay), drainage and depth of soil will
affect the growth of seedlings. Some
tree species will thrive under
conditions where others would not.
In most instances, site conditions
determine which species should be
grown, but species selection is also
dependent on the purpose of the
planting.
4. Site preparation: Existing
vegetation is the worst cnemy of
seedlings. Weed control is essential
in the first 3-5 years in order to
achieve maximum growth and
reduce seedling mortality as the
weeds compete for water, nutrients
and sunlight. Chemical control with
a herbicide such as simazine can
effectively control vegetation when
applied at the proper time.
50 THE RURAL VOICE
Advice
Mechanical methods of weed control
may require more time and energy
and may not be as effective as
chemical control.
5. Tree spacing: There will be
competition among trees for
sunlight, water and nutrients if
planted too close together. Spacing
of trees will affect their form and
development in block plantations
and will determine their
effectiveness in a windbreak or
shelterbelt.
6. Pruning and thinning: Can be
done the year after planting or as
soon as the branch tips between trees
begin competing.
7. Post planting: Weed control is
the most important consideration in
the first few years. Fertilization is
secondary and will only be
beneficial if there is no competing
vegetation to use up all the
moisture.
Periodically inspect for signs of
rodent, disease and/or insect
problems.0
Mark Janiec
Soil & Crop Advisor
Pre -loan planning
essential
A farm business does not
experience financial difficulty
overnight. Many events take place
leading up to the tragic happening.
Usually the manager of the farm is
not aware of these happenings
because of his daily involvement
with the general production activities
of the business.
Major capital investment such as
buying land or erecting
improvements does not take place
every day. When these events occur,
and borrowed money is involved,
very careful planning should take
place.
In situations when correct
estimates are not obtained for
improvements, and a short -fall
occurs in the amount of money
borrowed, the manager will usually
draw upon his operating loan.
Couple this mistake with the fact
that the borrowed money is
amortized over too short a period, a
cash flow shortfall will occur before
the business produces and markets
additional units of output.
Add these factors to the reality
that farm income will fluctuate
dramatically within a given period of
time, it becomes inevitable that a
cash shortfall can occur at some
point of time.
To avoid this happening, the farm
manager should obtain correct
estimates for the new improvements.
Make sure the components, such as
wiring and ventilation, are included.
Obtain three estimates; examine the
estimates and select the most
accurate one.
When meeting with the lending
institution, make sure to borrow
sufficient money to cover the total
expenditure. Estimates can vary
from five to 10 per cent below actual
costs. When establishing an
amortization period try to lean
toward a longer period of time rather
than a shorter period. One guide is
to match the amortization period to
the economic life of the capital
improvement. Usually, buildings
have an economic life of twenty
years.
When obtaining a mortgage,
remember that you are charged legal
fees, appraisal fees and sometimes,
survey fees. If you have to refinance
that mortgage at a later date because
of a cash flow shortfall, legal fees
and appraisal fees will be charged
again as well as a substantial
penalty.
The revenue side of the equation
often gets neglected, too, when a
major building project is underway.
Were those extra heifers or gilts bred
to produce on time? Were extra
plants ordered for greenhouses? Has
extra quota been obtained?
Pre -loan planning will pay
dividends in the long run. Give
consideration to more aspects than
the amount of interest you have to
pay.0
John MacDonald
Farm Business Advisor, Nepean