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may be as profitable as crop production, so it would be justifiable to
plant a woodlot on good land where the trees will grow fast. In certain
areas, e.g. Vihiga near Kisumu, some farmers have opted for tree
growing as the major use of their small farms since the market for
poles and other tree products is good. Such arrangements may be
profitable, but of course they also make the family vulnerable as they
will be economically dependent on market forces and middlemen.
When discussing the location of a woodlot, transport requirements
must be borne in mind. The site for wood production for domestic use
should preferably be near the house to reduce the burden of carrying
firewood, for example. Such considerations may also lead to a decision
to use better land for a woodlot rather than the poorest land which
may be further away.

Establishment and spacing
Establishment can be from seedlings or by direct sowing of seed,
depending on species. Acacia mearnsii can be directly sown, and so
can eucalypts, but the latter are difficult as the seeds are very small.
Raising seedlings may be a better option.
The initial spacing can be very dense: 0.5 by 0.5 m, or even less if
there is a demand for thin poles, fito or firewood. Gradual thinning will
then enable the trees to grow to the desired size, while at the same
time small-dimension wood can be harvested.

Management aspects

Protection from livestock and fire is always important for young trees.
Initial intercropping with crops or vegetables helps protection and
weed control. Pruning and thinning must be continuous to produce
good-quality poles and timber. If the trees compete with adjacent
crops, deep ploughing or digging a trench 50-80 cm deep will reduce
the penetration of tree roots into the rooting zone of the crop.

Species with good coppicing ability are preferable to eliminate the cost
of repeated establishment. Short rotations (6-8 years on good sites)
are recommended.
A natural woodlot requires maintenance through selective bush
clearing and protection in the early stages.

Benefits

In woodlots the most fast-growing trees, e.g. Eucalyptus, can be used
since the land is used entirely for trees and there is little need to
worry about competition with crops. A high level of wood production
for domestic or cash-income purposes can be achieved. Trees in