Feedback

Growing Trees for Timber: Maximizing the Benefits of Farm Forestry in New Zealand

Growing trees for timber on farms offers a multitude of benefits beyond just the production of wood. From providing shade and shelter to contributing to soil conservation and enhancing biodiversity, integrating trees into farming practices can be both economically and environmentally advantageous. This article explores the various aspects of farm forestry in New Zealand, highlighting the best practices for selecting species, planning your planting, and managing your timber crop to ensure a successful harvest.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Trees on Farms

Trees on farms, regardless of their primary purpose, can deliver multiple benefits throughout their growth cycle. When strategically integrated with productive farming, small woodlots grown primarily for timber can provide shade and shelter for livestock, conserve soil, and create habitats for wildlife. Additionally, planting trees on land that is difficult to farm can alleviate management challenges and contribute to long-term economic viability.

As trees mature, they become valuable capital assets, aiding in farm succession and retirement planning. Upon harvest, farm woodlots not only offer a cash injection but also provide timber for on-farm use, such as fencing and building materials.

Choosing the Right Species for Timber

Selecting the appropriate tree species for timber is crucial for maximizing profitability and achieving your forestry goals. In New Zealand, Radiata pine is the most commonly grown species due to its reliability and established markets. However, there are several other species that farmers may consider based on their specific site conditions and objectives:

Radiata Pine and Douglas-fir: Ideal for larger-scale plantings on marginal land within economic distance to markets. Radiata pine has a rotation length of 25-30 years, while Douglas-fir takes 40-50 years to mature. Both species are suitable for structural and appearance timbers.

Eucalypts: Fast-growing and producing very hard, ground-durable timber, eucalypts are ideal for producing fence posts and sawlogs. Their rotation length is 15-25 years, and they also contribute to soil conservation, biodiversity, and shelter.

Redwoods and Cypresses: These species produce higher-quality, potentially higher-value timber than radiata pine, with rotation lengths of 30-45 years. They are suitable for weatherboards, decking, and garden furniture.

Native Species (e.g., Totara, Beech, Matai, Rimu, Kauri): While slower-growing, these species produce versatile, high-value timbers. Their rotation length is 70+ years, and they offer significant biodiversity and amenity benefits.

Planning Your Timber Planting

When planning your tree planting, it’s essential to consider the long-term vision for your property, including farm operations, access, and potential infrastructure developments. Good planning and design can help you achieve multiple objectives, such as soil conservation, shelter, and recreation.

Before planting, it’s important to:

• Check for Toxicity: Ensure that the tree species you choose are not toxic to livestock. Consult with a vet or visit reputable websites for guidance.
• Consider Site Conditions: Select species that suit your site’s soil, climate, and secondary objectives.
• Plan for Maintenance: Be prepared to prune and thin your plantation on time to ensure the production of quality timber. It’s better to start on a small scale and manage it well than to plant more trees than you can handle.

Timber Planting and Management Techniques

Planting is usually done in winter, although some sites may benefit from autumn or spring planting. Key steps include:

• Fencing: Keep livestock out of the planting area until trees are well-established.
• Weed and Pest Control: Control competing vegetation and protect young trees from pests.
• Spacing: Proper spacing between trees is crucial for growth and access. Common ranges include 2.0-4.0 meters between trees, resulting in 625-2,500 trees per hectare.
• Pruning and Thinning: Pruning produces knot-free timber, while thinning removes a proportion of trees to allow the remaining ones to grow larger. These practices are essential for producing high-quality timber.

Costs and Considerations

The costs associated with growing trees for timber include fencing, tree purchasing, planting, weed control, pruning, and thinning. It’s important to budget for these activities and consider them as investments in the long-term value of your timber crop.

Harvesting and Beyond

While harvest time may seem far off, it’s essential to consider how timber will be extracted and processed before planting begins. Proper planning for access and infrastructure can make the harvesting process smoother and more profitable.

For more detailed information and guidance, consider joining the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association, where you can learn from the experiences of other farmers and access valuable resources.