Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Deciduous borders of forestry

  • 23-03-2016 12:08pm
    #1
    bonzodog2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,284 ✭✭✭


    I've noticed a few plantations with a border of deciduous trees maybe 2-4 deep surrounding a evergreen centre patch.
    Is there any horticultural (arboricultural?) reason for this, or is it just aesthetic?


Comments

  • #2
    Oldtree
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,109 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    They are nurse trees which can be quicker to establish and then protect the main crop while it gets established mainly providing a wind break. If they begin to dominate or interfere with the height and crown development of the main crop they are removed. Some nurse trees may be allowed to grow on to full rotation.

    more info here, but Oak and Beech with conifer nurse:

    http://www.teagasc.ie/forestry/docs/research/Teagasc_silvicultural_guidelines_Broadleaves.pdf


  • #3
    SILVAMAN
    Closed Accounts Posts: 730 ✭✭✭SILVAMAN


    bonzodog2 wrote: »
    I've noticed a few plantations with a border of deciduous trees maybe 2-4 deep surrounding a evergreen centre patch.
    Is there any horticultural (arboricultural?) reason for this, or is it just aesthetic?
    It's aesthetic, and is part of the 10% broadleaf requirement.
    In the US it's known as a beauty belt.
    Frankly I think it's ridiculous. I'd prefer to see the broadleaf component in a manageable block, adjacent to a hedgerow for connectivity, or en masse on the side of a plantation, and composed of birch and rowan, which overtime and in the second rotation establish a viable understorey or secondary species amongst the main crop.


Advertisement