Forum Archive Index - September 2003

[<philip@goodreturns.co.nz>]

From my work as a reporter in the forestry industry a number of years ago I can say that planting natives trees such as rimu and kauri on a commercial basis doesn’t really exist for the every reason that they take too long to grow.

However, I recall Forest Research had done some work in this area as one of the species, rimu I think, had a naturally occurring gene which stopped the timber from rotting. The idea was that they could stick this gene into pinus radiata and save the need for expensive chemical treatment. Some work had been done in this area and FR is keen on doing some GE trials (whether it relates to this project I don’t know).

The focus for hardwood has been on exotic species such as eucs (gum trees) and Douglas Fir.

Plenty of eucs have been planted in the BoP region to feed the paper mills.

There is a view – which I support –that far more effort should have been put into the research and development of another species other than p.radiata. That species should be Douglas Fir. It’s a good wood, has much higher value uses than p.radiata and grows well in NZ – particularly the colder places. Also it is a much more acceptable timber in world markets (more demand) than our softwood weed.

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----
From: sharechat-owner@sharechat.co.nz [mailto:sharechat-owner@sharechat.co.nz]On Behalf Of terry weston
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 12:35 PM
To: sharechat@sharechat.co.nz
Subject: [sharechat] planting trees

 

Is there any planting of native hardwood trees done in nz for future generations and how long do they take to grow.