A survey of some typical farm terrain and demonstration of how to position space-planted poles according to factors such as geology, terrain, soil depth, natural drainage and existing access routes.
Covers what is a suitable pole, (straight with bottom diameter of ~65mm and top diameter of ~45mm), where poles can be sourced, how poles should be stored and soaked before planting.
Pole planting using a) pole rammer and b) augur. Demonstrates slicing a point on the pole, marking the depth on the pole, making the hole, planting, putting on a protective sleeve, ramming the pole tight if needed.
Poplar poles sometimes require re-ramming as the summer progresses after recent planting. Re-ramming helps secure the pole and enhance root contact with the soil.
Poplars should be form-pruned. Single stems are healthier with greater longevity, allow for better pasture growth and are more likely to produce millable logs.
NZ Poplar & Willow Research Trust: http://www.poplarandwillow.org.nz/library/form-pruning-poles
Poplars may benefit from high pruning to increase their health and longevity, encourage pasture growth and to produce millable logs.
NZ Poplar & Willow Research Trust: http://www.poplarandwillow.org.nz/library/high-pruning-poplars
Pollarding willows is useful to manage tree size when producing fodder for stock and producing planting poles. Safety is a key issue.
A tractor mounted bin is a useful way to quickly and easy way to pollard willows on the farm, particularly in flat to easy country. Safety is paramount.
An interview with a long-time advocate of planting poplars and willows
Waikato Regional Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViOSgVv2uw
Where to plant, what tree and how to manage them are critical factors in the success of poplar and willow establishment.
NZ Poplar & Willow Research Trust: http://www.poplarandwillow.org.nz/library/trees-for-the-farm
Links to all Regional Council Nurseries setting out contact details and varieties for sale
NZ Poplar & Willow Research Trust: http://www.poplarandwillow.org.nz/nurseries
An easily accessible list of FAQ’s that mainly covers points made in the above publications but introduces some others such as where to get advice on purchasing a pole rammer
NZ Poplar & Willow Research Trust: http://www.poplarandwillow.org.nz/faq