Poplar & Willow Poles, Stakes & Cuttings

• Shelter
• Erosion control
• Shade for Stock protection
• Timber/Firewood
• Stock Feed during drought

Poles planted with dynex protectors on farmland

Poles (with stock protectors) are primarily used where it is necessary to have stock grazing.  They can also be used for planting where access for digging holes for rooted tree planting is difficult and the least amount of soil disturbance is preferable.     

Poles can be planted by digging, drilling or ramming.  Only use the ramming method when soil has sufficient moisture and is of a structure to permit ramming to the required depth.   If necessary a pilot hole can be driven in advance to permit easier ramming. 

3m Poles – Required where cattle are grazed as long as protected.  Plant to 60-80 cm depth.

2m & 2.5m Poles – Suitable if sheep only are grazed in the 1st year while they are getting established.  Plant 2.5m poles to 50-70cm and 2m poles to 40-50cm.

PROTECT POLES FROM STOCK WITH 1.8M DYNEX SLEEVES (available from Horizons 0508 800 800

Note:  Poles are sufficiently robust to sustain some pressure from stock.  They need to be planted deep enough (as newly planted poles will only sustain a limited amount of stock pressure)  and protected from rubbing or ring barking with Dynex protectors (or other means).  High stocking rates are not advised in the first season of establishment.  
A good practice is to check newly planted stock in the first season and ram up firmly if they have levered or loosened in the hol.  this will stabilise them better, improving new root development.

Keep the ground around the poles either grazed or sprayed to avoid long grass using the available moisture.   Prune during the months of January to March.  Select a dominant central leader , and shorten other competitive leaders.   Selectively cut  back some completely depending on the total number present. This would normally  be in the 1st or 2nd year.  3-5 branches would be a good number to retain, particularly if low branching and bushiness is desirable.  Lower branches can be pruned off with age if a taller, bare, single trunk is wanted.  A good source of summer feed during drought.  Some varieties are more resistant to browsing by possums.  Check our species descriptions.

STAKES & CUTTINGS – Suitable for shelter rows, erosion control, summer stock feed and woodlots where complete stock protection is offered or where planted in areas retired from grazing until adequately established. 

ORDERING POLES AND STAKES - It is definitely advisable to give advance notice when requiring this product, see above..  Supplies vary annually and with advance notice we can confirm availability and supply the stock when required.