Wind Damage to Exotic Forests in Canterbury

Authors: K.W. Prior
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1959, Issue N.Z.J.For. 8(1) 1959, pp 57-68, May 1959
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract:
The shingle soils of Canterbury have a consolidated layer at 6-18 in. which impedes drainage and is not penetrated by roots. North-west gales, especially in winter when the soil is saturated, cause serious damage in the exotic forests situated on these soils. From observations recorded in this paper, it is concluded that the area of forest on these soils ought to be reduced. Until this can be done, the incidence of damage can be mitigated by planting only the species less susceptible to wind damage (such as Pseudotsuga taxifolia, Pinus nigra (laricio), and P. ponderosa), by a planting programme designed to produce a normal distribution of age classes, by timely thinning, and by felling in strips oriented across wind and not more than 5 chains wide. Not enough is yet known about the silvicultural requirements of these forests, and experiments must continue, e.g. on methods of strip felling.

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