FNR-36
forestry & natural
resources
WOODLAND MANAGEMENT
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana
W. L. Fix, Extension Forester
Indiana landowners plant forest trees and shrubs for many reasons. These include the reforestation of open land, rehabilitation of severely eroded soils, production of timber, fence posts and Christmas trees, improvement of wildlife habitat and the protection of fields and farmsteads from wind. Trees and shrubs may also be planted to screen unsightly views, to reduce noise levels and to enhance aesthetic values of rural property.
To be successful, forest plantings must be well planned, properly established and managed. Many plantations have failed because improper species were used, planting methods were incorrect, or subsequent care and protection wasn’t provided. While this publication presents basic tree planting information, other publications such as those listed as references may provide needed in-depth information on specific problems or questions. Your county Cooperative Extension Service Office or the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, may also be able to assist.
Types of Plantings
Reforestation of Old Fields
Reforestation of old fields is not simply a matter of replanting the species that once grew there. Past land use and management practices have generally so altered soil structure that hardwood plantings have been largely unsuccessful. However, on good sites and when given adequate care, black walnut and some other species can be successfully planted.
Planted pines can be used to rehabilitate poor sites so that hardwood species will ultimately restock the area. White pine and red pine are adapted for planting throughout the state on all except severely eroded, excessively drained or poorly-drained sites. White pine forms open stands which permit the early natural establishment of native hardwoods, while red pine maintains a more dense closed stand which
tends to retard the invasion of natural vegetation. Jack pine is better adapted to the excessively drained sandy and gravelly sites in northern Indiana.
In southern Indiana white pine and Virginia pine grow well on eroded soils in old fields. Virginia pine is one of the best species for gully planting as it soon provides a dense cover to protect the soil. Shortleaf and loblolly pine have made rapid initial growth in southern Indiana; however, we are north of their natural range and plantings have suffered damage from winter injury and breakage from ice and snow. Black locust, which grows best on deep, well-drained limestone soils, is not generally suited for planting on badly eroded and depleted soils.
Plantings in Woodland Openings
Hardwoods such as tuliptree and black walnut may be planted in openings of poorly stocked woodlands or following strip or patch cuttings on suitable sites. The opening should be at least a one-half acre or larger because of the influence of trees surrounding the area. Circular and east-west oriented openings receive the most sunlight. Even then it is necessary to release the planted trees from competing natural growth from time of planting until the trees achieve a dominant position in the stand. Natural regeneration should be favored in woods openings where there is a good seed source of desired species.
Interplantings of white pine and tuliptree are usually successful in sparse stands of the small, shortlived sumac on old fields, but they should not be underplanted in fully stocked timber stands.
Farmstead and Field Windbreaks
Windbreaks can provide many benefits to rural farmsteads. Well maintained plantings protect buildings and livestock from strong winter winds, resulting in less maintenance, lower fuel requirements and reduced feed costs. Aesthetically pleasing windbreaks can increase property values.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907