Tree planting time

Planting trees on field margins is a rewarding option under the Countryside Management Scheme. This option brings benefits to wildlife on the farm, and Scheme participants receive payments towards the cost of tree planting. A number of sites on the farm can be planted out with trees. Each site can be up to a maximum of 0.2 ha in size, and the payment rate for this option is £1110/ha for 10 years.

Karl Mullan, was appointed by DARD as one of 78 Focus Farmers. He has a farm in Coolnasillagh and he has planted a small block near his farmyard. He commented, “planting was fast and straightforward, and the trees will screen the yard, provide some shelter, and improve a difficult corner.” An RSPB survey of the farm noted 24 species of birds present, and this additional habitat, along with wild bird cover planted will help maintain and hopefully widen this range of birds.

Trees are planted as bare root whips between November and the end of March. For agri-environment schemes a random mix of native species is used with 70 percent trees spaced 3 m apart, and the remainder low growing shrubs at 2 m spacing. The make up of the mix depends on site type with willow and alder predominating on wetter sites, and oak and ash on drier sites. Other species will include hazel, wild cherry, crab apple, rowan, birch, holly and hawthorn. Sites may be sprayed off at least 2 weeks prior to planting with glyphosate, and ideally a 0.5 m radius sprayed off with a knapsack around each tree for the first 2 years to reduce grass competition. Where rabbits or hares are present, tree guards should be used to prevent grazing damage. A full guide to species suitability for each site, and simple planting method is available from local Countryside Management staff.