The Rural Voice, 2005-02, Page 41Woodlot Management
Check out the source of the seeds
for tree plantings
Steve Bowers
is a forester
and forest
owner, a
member of
the Huron -
Perth
Chapter of
the Ontario
Woodlot
Association
and
Stewardship
Co-ordinator with the Huron
Stewardship Council.
While we are currently only at the
mid -point of winter, it is not too early
to start planning for tree planting this
coming spring. In fact, a few tree
species are already in short supply at
some nurseries.
There are a number of factors that
can affect the success of your tree
planting project. One of the most
important is the seed source of tree
seedlings you plant.
Trees undergo a number of
different growth processes at various
times during a growing season (i.e.
root growth, shoot elongation,
dormancy, etc.). The timing of these
processes is controlled by genetics
that have been established through
centuries of evolution, influenced by
local climate, soils etc.
Climate varies widely across the
province of Ontario. Some tree
species also naturally occur across
much of the province. For example,
the natural range of white pine
includes all of southern Ontario and
extends north as far as the
Kapuskasing area. However, the
genetically -controlled growth habits
within the species may vary
significantly across the range. A tree
from southern Ontario, if planted in
the north, would not likely do well.
Having evolved with a long growing
season, the tree would not likely
harden off and enter dormancy early
enough, probably being susceptible
to injury by early frost and winter
temperature extremes. A tree from
the north, if planted in the south is
also not likely to perform well. It is
likely to stop growing and enter
dormancy well before it needs to,
thus not taking advantage of the
longer season and reducing growth
potential.
An extreme example of poor
choice of seed source was a Douglas
fir tree pointed out by the professor
of my first year university
Dendrology class (quite a few years
ago). It was located in Queens Park,
just north of the parliament buildings.
Definitely not a good specimen, it
looked more like a stunted jack or
Scots pine. My professor attributed
its lack of vigour to the extreme
difference of climate from the coastal
area of British where it likely came
from. The tree itself was certainly
quite a contrast to the massive,
majestic Douglas fir trees I saw in the
Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island
(certainly worth a visit if you ever get
the chance) on a recent family
camping trip to the west coast of
Canada.
It has been stated that the most
expensive planting is a failed
planting. Upon hearing this
statement, most people likely think of
a planting project where survival of
planted seedlings is poor. No doubt
even worse, is a project where
seedlings survive but are from a seed
source not suited to the site and
persist on the site for years, never
achieving the planting objectives.
People planning on carrying out
some tree planting should ask their
supplier about the seed source of the
seedlings and insist on stock of an
origin that will do well in their
location.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources has identified tree seed
zones, using climatic and other
information, as a guide to help
identify suitable locations for
seedlings to be planted, based on
their seed source. The Forest Gene
Conservation Association (FGCA) is
working with seed collectors,
seedling growers and the Ontario
WINGHAM
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R.R. #1, Wingham
Ontario NOG 2W0
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(519) 793-4758
Email: solarandstoves@yahoo.ca
107 Caudle Sideroad, Lion's Head.
Ontario NOH 1WO
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BERNIE McGLYNN
LUMBER LTD.
BUYER OF HARDWOOD BUSHLOTS
Wholesaler - Hardwood Lumber
Box 385, R.R 2,
Wingham, Ont. NOG 2W0
«J, BERNIE McGLYNN
Ph/Fax1430
SAWMILL
R.R. #5, Mildmay. Ont
(519) 367-5789
DAVID E. GREIN
LOGGING
Buyer of Standing
& Felled Hardwood Timber
& Bush Lots
• Competitive Pricing
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R.R.#1 Neustadt (519) 799-5997
FEBRUARY 2005 37