Trees enhance and protect

01-06-2010 | Not Specified

During the past five years the Ballantynes have planted more than 8000 trees for shade, shelter, riparian protection and future timber sales.

Included in these plantings are around 5750 eucalyptus trees chosen for their low initial cost and fast growth for shade and shelter. These trees can also be used for either firewood or commercial timber. Acacias and Douglas fir trees are grown mainly for their potential timber value, along with more than 1000 poplar poles which have been planted for slope stabilisation, shade and also as a possible source of stock feed.

Ballance Farm Environment Award judges said these outstanding tree plantings added great aesthetic appeal to the property as well as protecting the more fragile areas of the farm.

They were impressed with how the Ballantynes used assistance from the regional council "to fully implement their whole farm plan over and above the recommendations".

Erosion-prone slopes or wet areas have now been fenced off. The couple put a lot of thought into what type of species they plant, and potential timber trees are carefully pruned to maximise their future value.

While most plantings have been successful, Ken said some of the pole plantings on the lower slopes struggled. Pole planting was hard work and it was a shame to see random poplar deaths in some areas. These deaths, occurring mostly in two or three-year-old trees, were possibly due to moisture stress during the 2008 drought.

It was also pointed out at the field day that poplar poles have to be carefully managed.

"You've got to keep cattle out of paddocks with young poles and so there is a potential cost there."

But most of the poplars are thriving and doing an excellent job of stabilising the slopes while providing good shade and shelter.

Ken said planting trees was extremely rewarding and made the farm a better place for the livestock and those living and working there.

The Ballantynes also believe in the benefits of ponds and dams for catching water sediment, water filtration and for creating a habitat for wildlife. Since their arrival on the farm they have built nine new ponds or dams, bringing the total to 14.

Ken said he believed every farmer had the potential to improve the environment by planting trees and protecting waterways. Farmers could not avoid environmental issues.

"It's only a matter of time before farmers are audited for their environmental management. I believe New Zealand could become a world leader in this area, and that could have major trade benefits."

Ken and Sue have three adult children. Julie, the eldest, lives in Australia. Second daughter, Lisa, works for DairyNZ in Hamilton and son, Hayden, a plumber and gasfitter, is on overseas experience in South America.

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