Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-06-25

ed timber were properly cared for, pro.
tected both against fire and stock, the
remainder of the land could be thrown
prof1tably into pasture or farms. AS
1t Is now, the farmers of Iowa have
to buy many of their fence posts from
other states which seems like burd-
ensome and unnecessary expense to
those who have studied the possibility
for tree growing in the state.
Foresters say that under proper
management there are many trees
which can be grown in the state. The
best species for post production are
black locust, chestnut, catalpa, Usage
orange, Russian mulberry, and Euro
pean larch. Since these trees should
be used only within their economic
planting range and on soils adapted to
their growth, the number for planting
In Iowa Is reduced for the greater part
Of the state, by one-half. There are
other trees which produce good post
material, but it always pays to grow
the best. This means the kinds which
are most durable in contract with the
soil, and have the most rapid growth.
Black locust is subject to the at
tack of the borer to such an extent as
to make it's cultivation in Iowa a rath-
er doubtful proposition. In the south
ern part of the state the trees, once
established, make very rapid second
growth, and it is possible that under
these conditions, with short rotations,
small post size will be reached by the
trees before the borer has done any
serious damage. Black locust thrives
on fairly good sandy or gravelly bro
ken land.
Chestnut is not suited to Iowa con-
ditions and Usage orange is subject
to winter killing north of line drawn
east and west through Des Moines.
Usage orange makes very long
lived post; it's only drawback is a
tendency to split under the staple. It
grows to best advantage on deep,
rich soil with plenty of moisture, but
will do we'll on variety Of soils.
European larch, though not so rapid
grower as black locust, is suited to
fairly good hilly lands. Unlike it's
relative, tamaracl1, 1t will not thrive
in wet places. 1t produces good post
and pole timber and makes good lum-
Der.
Russian mulberry is rather low
dense tree with a strong tendency to
branch and form crooked stems. For
windbreak purposes around orchards
and plantations of young hardwood 1t
Is especially valuable. Birds are very
fond of its fruit and because Of this
fact the tree is frequently planted near
cherry orchards to prevent birds max
ing ravages on the cherries. 1t grows
on variety of sites and may be used
where better trees cannot be grown.
On suitable sites, hardy catalpa is
one Of the very best post trees for the
Iowa planter. The George S. Waller
grove in Humboldt county is an excel
lent example of what may be expected
on fairly good lands which are not
hilly. At 20 years of age the value OF
the 10 acre grove for post and pole
purposes exceed $4,000. In addition,
Mr.. Waller was furnished fuel and pro-
lection, the trimmings more than pay
ing for themselves in flrewood.
The trees were planted around his
farm in cornfield. When the corn
| terminated the plants were removed
from every other hill in every other
row and replaced by a catalpa seed
ing. This made the spacing about Z
| by feet. The field received the same
cultivation as though it had been all
corn. In this way half crop of corn
was produced by the soil for two
years, the trees meanwhile receiving
the hest cultivation. Seedlings of this
species can be raised very cheaply and
as easily as garden vegetables.
The United States Forest Service
haS Y,onHn n hpr ~ or, ~,
Iowa and will gladly give good advice
on planting to those desiring it. A let
ter to the Forester at Washington will
bring the information.