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BIFF May Update
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With all this glorious weather you’re bound to have noticed the early onset of spring this year! The trees aren’t the only plants growing vigorously this season. Weeds are also getting a head start and so, if you haven’t already, it is time to weed your woodland. Weeding should be done on a site prior to planting and then subsequently every spring until the trees are well established (this may be for three to five years). Weeds adversely affect the growth and survival of young trees by completing for light, nutrients and moisture. Therefore it is important to ensure that a one-metre diameter area around the tree is kept weed free during the growing season. |
Herbicides
Weeds can be controlled using a number of methods including mulches, mechanical (e.g. cutting), and herbicides. The desired option will be dependent on the types of weeds, the cost per tree and the amount of time and labour that will be dedicated to the site. Herbicides tend to be the most effective and are therefore the preferred choice of many woodland owners.
A variety of herbicides are available. Choosing a herbicide will be dependent on crop type (i.e. conifers or broadleaves), time of year and the types of weeds or grasses to be controlled. The size of the woodland and the herbicide chosen will also dictate the application method; herbicides can be applied by spot gun, knapsack sprayer or pepper pot.
Whatever the method of weed control it is important to plan ahead and maintain an effective programme of weeding. Although weeding may be time consuming it is not worth planting trees to then have them die from weed competition. A woodland that has to be replanted will also require weeding in future!
Further information on weeding can be found on the Forestry Commission’s website www.forestry.gsi.gov.uk or from woodland advisors, contractors and agents.
Coming Events
BIFF has planned another visit to Glensaugh to learn about silvopastoral systems on 5th June 2007. Also a tree identification training day has been planned for 17 August 2007. These events are open to all farmers and landowners in the Breadalbane ESA.
Please register your interest with Mike Strachan at mike.strachan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or on 01738 450790.
