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Show Russian Olives Make 'Living Fence' By Thomas B. Evans Soil Conservation Service Most of us are acquainted with the Russian olive tree which grows so well under various conditions in this locality. lo-cality. However, not many of us realize this tree can be made to grow in such a way -that it will become a living fence that will successfully turn livestock. A Russian olive fence will not only take the place of barbed wire, but it will also provide excellent year-around protective cover for many kinds of useful wildlife, including pollinating insects, birds, animals ani-mals and insects that help destroy de-stroy crop pests, game birds and animals, and the colorful, musical songbirds that add to the enjoyment of farm life. To establish a Russina olive living fence, prepare the plant- ( , : i ing site in advance preferably the fall before planting. Plant a single row of seedlings one foot apart and irrigate well during the growing season. At the end of the growing season cut the young trees back with a cutter bar about 'four inches above the ground. Irrigate weK t the following year and at the end of the second growing season sea-son again cut the tops back, but this time cut them about 6 to 8 . inches above the ground. This is the last cutting operation that A'ili be necessary. j '..ith proper cultivation, irrigation, irri-gation, and protection until i j ar.se enough, the plants will de-. de-. e'.up into a dense hedge with -i twilling' branches that will defy livestock to force their ay through hunters tool |