Working with Trees

Diversity of Trees

Trees turn up on the scene during the Devonian period some 400 Million yrs ago They have since taken many forms and had a long time to settle in to a vast array of habitats and climates

Ecological Functions of a Tree

Outputs of a Tree/Woodland

Shelterbelt-Windbreak

Also known as a wind break a shelter belt is a living barrier consisting of rows of trees and shrubs to mitigate wind speed in a given location.

Shelterbelt-Windbreak Advantages

•Protection of plants •Moderating extreme temperatures•Preventing, or at least reducing, wind erosion•Reducing evaporation from the soil•Reducing transpiration from plants•Protecting buildings (reducing fuel and maintenance needs)•Biodiversity•Wildlife enhancing and attracting habitat •Create soil fertility •Production, food, fodder, fuel, biomass timber etc•Ornamental value

Shelterbelt-WindbreakDisadvantages

•Frosts•Root competition •Pests and diseases•Shading•Land consumption

Functioning of a Windbreak

Designing a Windbreak

Designing a Windbreak

Observing Wind

Selection of Species

- Local plants - Rapid growth;- Wind firmness;- Good crown formation;- Deep root system, which do not spread into nearby fields;- Resistance to drought;- Evergreen species

Suitable Species for Windward edge Temperate Europe NATIVE MULTI -YIELDING Prunus cerasifera-Myrobalan PlumRosa Canina-Dog RoseLigustrum ovalifolium-PrivetCorylus avellana-HazelSorbus aria-WhitebeamSorbus aucuparia-Mountian AshQuercus rubra-Red Oak Morus Alba-White Mulberry

NITROGEN FIXERSElaeagnus angustifolia-OleasterElaeagnus multiflora-GoumiCaragana arborescens-Siberian Pea TreeElaeagnus umbellata-Autumn Olive

EVERGREENSElaeagnus x ebbingei-OleasterPinus slyvestris-Scots PinePinus nigra-Corsican Pine

Forest Gardening A forest garden is a designed agronomic system based on trees, shrubs

and perennial plants. These are mixed in such a way as to mimic the structure of a natural forest - the most stable and sustainable type of ecosystem in this climate(temperate). -Martin Crawford

Why Forest Garden

Needs less energy input to maintain annual production More stable to the vagaries of climate. In the event of climate change a perennial system will be

much better suited to withstand new stresses More sustainable in the long run especially when planted in

diverse mixtures. It provides a beautiful environment for all living things Help control and regulate wind, moisture , rainfall,

temperature, soil protection and so on. Relatively cheap to establish and relatively easy to maintain Place to outlet creativity. Range of yields locally ,no need to transport We are using space efficiently by using the different

dimensions to obtain yield- filling niches in space as well as time.

You are working with a model of productivity estimated to be 400 million yrs old and that has served humanities needs since our dawn.

Riparian Buffer A riparian buffer is a vegetated area (a "buffer strip") near a stream Helps to shade and protect a stream from the impact of adjacent land uses. Increases water quality and reduces pollution. Yields of products associated with trees Biodiversity

SilvoarableSilvoarable mixes trees amongst arable or horticultural crops. 

Combats soil erosion Increase the diversity of farmland. Provides shade in hot, dry environments (reducing water loss from evaporation), Retention of soil moisture, increase in the structural diversity of the site and wildlife

habitat. The woody perennials in these systems can produce fruit, fuelwood, fodder, or

trimmings to be made into mulch.

SilvopastureSilvopasture systems, Integrating trees with livestock creating a land management system

that can produce marketable products while maintaining longterm productivity.

Trees are managed for high-value sawlogs Provide shade and shelter for livestock. Provides fodder and forage for livestock Improves wildlife diversity, water quality, soil fertility

Super Trees ?

Photovoltaic Cells Power the lights of the park Rain water is harvested and stored under

ground and used for irrigation Vertical gardens dress the structures

Coppicing

Coppicing is a management technique of cutting trees and shrubs to ground level allowing vigorous regrowth and a sustainable supply of timber for future generations. Benefits include

Promoting ground and undergrowth vegetation- designed disturbance (by letting light in) Raw materials for thatching, fencing, kindling and charcoal making.

All deciduous trees can be coppiced, but hazel, ash, lime,sweet chestnut and beech are common.

Pollarding

The difference between a Pollard and a Coppice is that Coppice's are cut to ground level whilst Pollards are cut to a height over 2metres tall.