Growing Timber

**MelAU** · 20th March 2009, 08:32 PM

Hi,
We have an area at the front of our property that has dark soil with soil ph level around 7. It is close to our creek that floods sometimes. We have an area of approximately 3 hectares to plant cabinet timber. We are looking at different timber varieties to plant in the area. I know some trees do not like wet soil. The soil is beautful and full of nutrients, and would be suitable for trees that don't mind wet feet sometimes. I have been looking at silver quondong, silky oak, spotted gum, but not sure if they are suited to the location. We only want to plant a few species, as we are new to forestry. I have researched on the internet, but cannot find any reference to soil types and ph levels recommended for trees. I found Mitchells Forestry Farming System on the internet that looks great, and they offer workshops but it's a long way for us to travel (500km) to go the workshops. Any help and tips is appreciated.

Missy

**derekh** · 21st March 2009, 08:57 AM

I'm currently doing a Master Tree Grower course in Brisbane but they're held all over Australia at various times.
Here are some links:
http://www.mtg.unimelb.edu.au/
http://www.australianfarmforestry.com.au/
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~kcd/m...thomepage.html
http://www.afg.asn.au/

If you're going to plant for forestry then be sure to do your homework first. I'll post some more information later, I've got to go to my course now.

cheers
Derek

**derekh** · 21st March 2009, 08:58 PM

I little more from my previous comment:

1. Look around the local area and identify what the primary species are
2. Talk to your local Landcare group about local species
3. Talk to the local sawmills, they're the ones likely to buy from you
4. Determine what you aim to produce (poles, sawlogs, speciality timbers)
5. Select 4 species matching the aims of point 4 and likely to grow in your area
6. Deep rip along the contour in the dry season to crack the subsoil
7. Aim to plant when there is sufficient subsoil moisture
8. Perform weed control in the planting area prior to planting
9. Don't waste money replacing lost trees (seedlings/saplings) because they never match the growth rates of the original plantings.

I have met Jack Mitchell and been to several of his plantations, spoken to several former employees and spoken to the owners. The issues identified were: 1. too many different exotic species making tree selection for retention difficult, 2. a tendency to rip downhill creating erosion problems, 3. expensive add-ons such as weed mats, tree guards.

This is not an anti-Jack comment, just the opinions of informed and experienced plantation owners.

More links:

http://www.ashleysewell.com/
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/
http://www.anbg.gov.au/index.html
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/floraonline.htm

cheers
Derek

Thread: Growing Timber

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Growing Timber

Similar Threads

Growing Black Wattle

Who's growing what tree's

Growing site

Want to try growing hops

Growing Old

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions